Derelict site to become modern hub for Merthyr Tydfil businesses

A trio of Merthyr Tydfil businessmen have formed a new company to develop a ‘problem’ brownfield site into the county borough’s latest business park.

The area of land at on Pant Industrial Estate, Dowlais – formerly used by ICI as a chemical plant – will be transformed into an estate of 14 factory units, specifically for micro and SME businesses.

The project is the first in Merthyr Tydfil to have been awarded a Welsh Government Property Development Grant – of £2.6 million towards an overall development cost of around £5m.

With the working title ‘Paisley Business Park’, the scheme is the brainchild of MKR Property Developments – which was established by Mike Williams and Kerry Mullin, Directors of engineering and construction company Mikerry Rail in partnership with Rob Price, Director of the Highfield Property Group.

“Welsh Government and the County Borough Council’s regeneration team both identified the benefits of developing a problem brownfield site, which had chemical ground contaminants and remnants of the original buildings,” said Rob Price.

“They also appreciated the need for modern facilities for enterprise/start-up businesses and gave their wholehearted support to the project,” he added.

“It’s been a difficult journey, but with that backing, we are now beginning to realise our dream and have finally put a shovel in the ground with the aim of completing the work by May next year.”

Pontypridd-based Trojan Construction Management – one of the directors of which is fellow Merthyr Tydfilian David Thomas – began building the estate in early July. There will be 14 units of different sizes, ranging from 926 sq ft to 4,047 sq ft, with the aim of them becoming available for expression of interest around September 2023.

Council Leader Cllr Geraint Thomas said the company’s governance team of three directors were born and bred in Merthyr Tydfil and all operated successful businesses.

“They decided to consolidate their expertise and considerable business acumen to provide opportunities to micro and SME businesses across the county borough,” he added.

“I understand that this has been the only Welsh Government Property Development Grant funding to have been received in Merthyr Tydfil, so this is a real achievement. Congratulations to MKR – we all look forward to seeing this fantastic new business hub further enhance our local economy.”