Leisure hub will change the face of pontypridd

PLANS which will transform an area of Pontypridd have been approved by councillors.

It means there will be huge changes ahead for the Taff Vale site.

A new library and leisure hub will be built, as well as the base for South Wales Metro operator Transport for Wales.

There will be a new fitness facility and council customer contact point.

In and among the three new eye-catching buildings will be office space, meeting rooms and a cafe.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s planning committee approved the plans at a meeting yesterday.

Cabinet member Robert Bevan said: “The granting of planning permission for the council’s flagship Taff Vale regeneration project is a huge milestone, and sends a clear message that this development, on a strategic site in the heart of Pontypridd, is going to be delivered by the council.

“The scheme will bring jobs to Pontypridd and has the potential to deliver increased footfall in the town centre – giving a significant boost to existing businesses, and the prospect of attracting more trade and visitors to the area.”

The project to transform the former Taff Vale Shopping Centre site will be divided into three buildings.

The council yesterday revealed that Building A (nearest Gas Road Car Park) and Building B (the centre of the three buildings) will incorporate the major office floor space, while Building C (nearest Bridge Street) will be a “gateway building to Pontypridd” and include the new library, customer contact point, cafe, meeting rooms, community facilities and the new leisure and fitness centre.

The council also said a space of 14m will be kept between each building to create public access and to open up views of the river and Ynysangharad Park from Taff Street.

The plans include three distinct “viewing platforms” which will project out over the riverbank.

The detailed application was considered on Thursday by the local authority’s planning and development committee, with members recommending to approve the proposals.

Construction will begin in early 2018 and the scheme is due to be completed during 2019.

Coun Bevan added: “Alongside the major plans to revitalise the YMCA a stone’s throw away, the Taff Vale regeneration will bring a new vibrancy to Pontypridd. These two projects in such close proximity make for exciting times in the local area.

“This priority project continues to gather pace following site demolition, the appointment of a contractor and now full planning permission granted. Work continues to progress ahead of the start of construction in early 2018.”