Revealed: bid to transform former Co-op

A FORMER Co-op in the Rhondda could be completely transformed if plans are approved.

Earlier this year extensive plans aiming to completely transform Tonypandy town centre were revealed.

Now plans as to how the Co-op could be transformed have also been shared. The Co-op closed in 2012 and more than 50 people lost their jobs.

In 2019, Tonypandy’s high street was branded the worst in Wales, leaving traders furious.

The Rhondda Housing Association (RHA) acquired the old Co-op supermarket site on Dunraven Street in 2019, and recently drew up plans to regenerate the area.

It has now been confirmed Asbri Planning Ltd has been commissioned to undertake the pre-application consultation in respect of a full planning application for a mixed-use development of the building.

According to documents posted online, a review of Rhondda Cynon Taf County council’s online planning records show no recent or relevant planning applications relating to the site.

The cover letter reads: “This application comprises a mixed-use development, including partial demolition of existing building, comprising commercial space, residential development, new turning head, drainage, landscaping, car parking, servicing, and associated works at former Co-op Retail Unit, Dunraven Street, Tonypandy.

“The site is currently an existing food retail unit split over two levels with the upper level containing the food store, and the lower level consisting of back of house areas, under croft areas and a car park. As part of the development the existing store will be removed with only the substructure and retaining walls and part of the undercroft areas being retained.”