RCT Council has announced that significant funding is now secured to redevelop the Marks and Spencer site in Pontypridd Town Centre. Following the appointment of a contractor, work is on course to start in February 2025.

The site at 97-102 Taff Street has been earmarked for development as part of the Southern Gateway redevelopment in Pontypridd – with the area demolished last year in preparation. A ‘riverside plaza’ has been formally proposed for the site, to provide a functional and aesthetically-pleasing public space, and open the townscape towards the river for the first time in more than 100 years.

In July 2024, Cabinet received a progress update on the project, when various elements of the scheme were discussed and considered. The project aims 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.
Gain new views of the river and surrounding park area.
Integrate key features such as trees and foliage 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 majority of the site will be raised out of the flood zone, based on flood modelling. The lane leading to the park will also have enhanced resurfacing and street lighting.

Since July’s update, officers have made significant progress to complete the detailed design and progress the project towards its delivery. A competitive procurement process was also undertaken for the main project contractor.

The Council has now appointed Horan Construction Ltd to deliver the works scheme. They will undertake site mobilisation during January 2025, with the main construction phase due to start in February.

More than £5.6 million has now been secured to deliver the project via external funding. This includes contributions from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme (£3.68 million) and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (£1.95 million).

The Council will provide more details about the construction phase once it is finalised, including a start date and key information for town centre visitors during the work. The overall project is scheduled for completion in early 2026.

Councillor Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity, said: “Securing more than £5.6 million funding for the construction phase, and appointing a main contractor, are important milestones to revitalise the former M&S and Dorothy Perkins site in Pontypridd. Having now achieved these, the Council and its contractor are making the final preparations for the works to be started in the weeks ahead.

“The strategic site in the heart of Pontypridd presents a unique opportunity to expand and open up the southern part of the town centre – and the original idea of creating a ‘riverside plaza’ was very well received when we previously consulted with the public on how best to utilise the site. Since Cabinet received the most-recent update in summer 2024, important work to further develop the proposals has continued, led by the Council-appointed multi-disciplinary team.

“The M&S development will aim to complement what has already been achieved at the former Bingo Hall site – creating a bright, open space and incorporating features such as areas of greenery and food/drink kiosks. This bigger space is also intended to be flexible, and ready to be utilised when required – for example, during town centre events. It will also have the scenic backdrop of the river and views across Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.

“Both the M&S and Bingo Hall sites are important parts of the Southern Gateway vision within the Pontypridd Placemaking Plan – which is the wider blueprint for regeneration investment across the town. It aims to build on the momentum that has already been created in recent years, through flagship schemes such as the Llys Cadwyn development, the Cwrt yr Orsaf housing scheme, Y Muni, YMa, and various improvements across the park.

“Town centre visitors may notice the appointed contractor carrying out some initial works at the M&S site soon, in preparation for the construction phase which starts in February. The Council will inform residents once all plans are in place, including any expected disruption to residents, the retail area and the business community – which will be minimised as much as possible.”

Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, added: “This project is a fantastic example of how our Transforming Towns funding is supporting transformational improvements across our town and city centres.

“This significant redevelopment project will improve Pontypridd’s functionality, attract visitors, and provide new commercial opportunities, helping to strengthen the local economy.

“Creating spaces that enhance community well-being, support local businesses and boost town centre footfall are key parts of our regeneration strategy and I can’t wait to see how this development progresses.”