Decision on travel hub

PLANS for a new transport hub in Porth are set to go before councillors for approval.

An application for the construction of the new singlestorey transport hub with a link to an overhead railway bridge including the development of a new seven-bay bus station and apron is to go before Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s planning committee on Thursday.

The proposals would create a bus and rail interchange north west of the existing rail station on the site where Alec Jones Day Centre, Barclays Bank and Porth Farm Surgery were before being demolished last year.

They would also see a new building which would house a waiting room, counter service, office service store, stairwell and lift area, cloak room, staff rest and toilet facilities, public toilets and baby changing area.

It’s part of the council’s Porth Town Centre Strategy which was approved in 2019 as part of the town’s regeneration based on its key location in the junction between the Rhondda Fach and Fawr valleys and as an important location for accessing services, including employment, housing and transport.

An area of public open space would be included between the proposed building and the northern end of Hannah Street with planters. There would be two entry and exit points at Porth Street and Station Street.

The council is working with Transport for Wales on the scheme and the project has secured joint funding from the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal and Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund through the Metro Plus programme through a bid by the Cardiff Capital Region Transport Authority. Council planning officers recommended approval of the plans.