Trago Mills Wales megastore investment for the Valleys’
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It currently has three stores – its first premises in Liskeard and a store in Falmouth, both in Cornwall, and its flagship store near Newton Abbot in Devon. The project will be developed and delivered by Kier Construction, which says up to 1,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase, with up to 250 workers on the site on any average day.
Bosses from Trago Mills and Kier plus representatives from Merthyr Tydfil council gathered at the Swansea Road site yesterday to mark the start of the works, with the help of schoolchildren from nearby Coed Y Dderwen Primary School.
Mr Robertson said: “We’re delighted to be starting work on the Merthyr store – and particularly in having appointed Cardiff-based Kier Construction to undertake the build.
“Once completed, our new store will be a bold and complementary addition to the thriving retail environment already existing at Cyfarthfa.
“We welcome many Welsh customers to our existing stores during the main tourism season in the South West and so we’re very excited to be bringing our unique shopping experience to Wales.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Robertson said: “We’re very proud to be joining you here in the Valleys and particularly in Merthyr Tydfil, where we’ve had a great deal of support.
“For us, as a business, it’s massive – it’s not a step, it’s a leap forward.”
Anthony Irving, managing director of Kier Construction, Western and Wales, said: “The project will bring significant benefits to the local supply chain with employment and training opportunities for the local community throughout the construction phase of this locally significant scheme.”
Jason Taylor, operations director for Kier, Western and Wales, revealed £21m of revenue had already been placed within a 20-mile radius of the site – including 2,500 tonnes of steel manufactured in Cardiff, 75% of which had come directly from Port Talbot.
He added they were aiming for 95% of the project spend to be spent within a 65-mile radius of the store.
He said: “All of us with a Welsh background know the challenges Port Talbot have – that’s a great production to give them from this very project in Merthyr.
“We are pleased to see the Trago Mills development being based within a valley community. It’s a significant investment in the Valleys.”
Merthyr Tydfil council leader Brendan Toomey said: “In recent years the regeneration of the county borough is there for all to see.
“Whilst Trago Mills has been anticipated for many years it’s great to actually see it coming to fruition and adds further to the regeneration of the area.
“We’ve got everything that people require on the doorstep.
“There are many niche shops springing up in the town centre, which is giving a different order to the traditional town centre offer and altogether we now have a complete package.
“It’s all here on our doorstep.”
Merthyr Tydfil’s Mayor Councillor Margaret Davies said: “It will make an important contribution to the local economy in South Wales.
“This development will enrich Merthyr Tydfil as a retail destination for the Valleys and beyond.
“It’s going to be brilliant. There’s going to be so much choice for people. It’s going to bring so many people into the borough.”