Proposals for strategic site in the heart of Pontypridd

RCT’s cabinet  has received a progress report on the redevelopment of the Marks and Spencer site in Pontypridd Town Centre, following its recent demolition. Members considered the latest progress on developing the overall plan for the site, and approved the next stages of the scheme.

As part of the Council’s Pontypridd Town Centre Placemaking Plan that was agreed in 2022, the former Marks and Spencer/Dorothy Perkins site at 97-102 Taff Street has been earmarked for development – as part of a new Southern Gateway to Pontypridd. A ‘riverside plaza’ has been formally proposed for the site, to improve the public realm and open the townscape towards the river – while also allowing the exploration for some retail presence at the site.

A report to Cabinet on Wednesday, July 17, noted that the demolition of the old buildings was successfully completed in April 2024, and that the site has since been secured by a perimeter hoarding. Visual panels were added to illustrate the site’s evolution, while the hoardings are branded to ensure the area remains aesthetically-pleasing.

The report also covers the progress made to develop the overall proposals by an experienced multi-disciplinary team appointed by the Council – illustrated in the latest artist impression images of the site. The plans aim to establish a functional and aesthetically-pleasing open space, which re-orientates the High Street to the riverside and surrounding landscape. The latest designs aim to:

• Maximise the site’s potential as a key ‘transitional space’ as part of a new visitor route linking the train station via the bingo hall site.
• Retain newly-revealed views of the river and surrounding park area.
• Integrate key features such as enhanced greenery areas, new biodiverse habitats, and sustainable drainage solutions.
• Provide a new open space that is flexible enough to respond to new opportunities for the town centre.
• Establish a new ‘riverside plaza’ that includes small, lightweight kiosks (commercial units) that offer the sale of food and drinks.

The current proposals also respond to challenges that are specific to the site. The design incorporates a series of plateaus at various levels, to be supported by a steel-frame structure – due to the four-metre level difference between the Taff Street entrance to the site and the entrance to the park. The majority of the site will be raised out of the flood zone, based on flood modelling.

The fixtures, fittings and finishes proposed for the redevelopment are the same as those specified for the new public realm being created at the nearby bingo hall site – ensuring a consistent approach to the design across the Southern Gateway. In addition, resurfacing and enhanced street lighting to the adjacent lane leading to the park have been incorporated into the project.

The report adds that Welsh Government would welcome an application to its Transforming Towns Fund to support the project. A funding contribution has already been secured from UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

The current programme, which is subject to change, indicates that the main project contractor could be appointed by November 2024, with design work concluding in early 2025 and the construction phase completed in early 2026.

Councillor Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity, said: “Cabinet Members have considered this very positive progress update relating to the regeneration proposals for the former Marks and Spencer and Dorothy Perkins site in Pontypridd Town Centre. While demolition works were successfully completed earlier this year, important work to further develop the proposals has been continuing, led by the multi-disciplinary team appointed by the Council.

“The original idea vision of a ‘riverside plaza’ was well-supported in the public consultation about our wider Southern Gateway proposals. The exciting new artist impressions within the Cabinet report show how the high street can be opened up towards the river – while key details such as greenery areas and new biodiverse habitats, along with food and drink kiosks, have been incorporated into the latest visual designs.

“It is important to note that the latest plans are informed by considerable investigatory and feasibility work, including structural assessments, flood modelling, disability access audits and topographical and utility surveys. These will help provide solutions to several challenges that this site presents – such as the large level difference between its highest and lowest points, flood risk considerations, and the presence of the river nearby.

“During Wednesday’s meeting, Cabinet Members supported the most recent redevelopment proposals, and endorsed the associated funding, procurement and engagement strategies for implementation by officers. It was agreed that the current plans for the Marks and Spencer site would contribute well to establishing a vibrant and attractive Southern Gateway to Pontypridd Town Centre – alongside the former bingo hall site which is nearing completion.”