Construction work for the exciting Marks and Spencer site redevelopment in Pontypridd Town Centre will start from February 17. The Council will work closely with its appointed contractor to minimise disruption locally.

Last month, the Council announced that more than £5.6 million has been secured to deliver the ‘riverside plaza’ project at 97-102 Taff Street – thanks to significant support from Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme (£3.68 million) and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (£1.95 million). It was also announced that Horan Construction Ltd has been appointed as the construction phase contractor.

The project is a key part of the Pontypridd Town Centre’s Southern Gateway redevelopment. The idea of a ‘riverside plaza’ previously received support in a public consultation, and this proposal has since been formally agreed and progressed – with the site demolished in preparation. The project will provide a functional and aesthetically-pleasing public space, while opening the town towards the river for the first time in more than 100 years. It will 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 former bingo hall site.
Gain new views of the river and adjacent park.
Integrate key features such as trees and foliage, 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.

Most 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.

Important information about the main construction phase

Construction will start on Monday, February 17, with the project aiming for completion in early 2026. It will be delivered across several key phases, the first of which will be site preparation and structural works. This includes initial site setup, the construction of retaining walls, and structural framework.

Site activity will then move onto installing groundworks and drainage systems, the construction of ramps, steps and pathways, and final landscaping work and creating the public realm through planting, paving, and street furniture.

The majority of the work will minimise disruption to the town centre – allowing all businesses to remain open. A hoarding will be placed on the footpath at Taff Street, with short pedestrian diversions possibly being required. The bus stop next to the site will also be closed, with bus users being directed to use alternative nearby stops.

Please note that the nearby access to Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, via the adjacent lane and the M&S footbridge, will be maintained from the start of construction work. This will be monitored in relation to safety, and any necessary change in arrangements for accessing the park will be communicated in due course.

Horan Construction Ltd will provide regular updates on the progress being made to the local community, with a newsletter being distributed periodically.

Councillor Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity, said: “Following on from last month’s announcement that £5.6 million has been secured for this flagship project, the Council has today announced that work will begin in Pontypridd Town Centre from February 17. It’s important to note that all traders can remain open for business as usual, and all major accesses in the retail area will be maintained – with the majority of the construction activity contained within the works site.

“We’ve made excellent progress towards reaching this stage, with continued support from Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns funding – and we’ve also welcomed significant support from UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund to help deliver the construction phase. To date, the Council acquired the vacant site, demolished the area, designed and agreed the ‘riverside plaza’ project, appointed a contractor, and secured multi-million pound funding. This proactive work has prevented such a large site in the heart of Pontypridd from falling into disrepair, and is delivering upon the commitment made in our Pontypridd Placemaking Plan to continue investing in the town centre.

“The bright and open space at the M&S site will incorporate areas of seating and greenery, with views over the river and the park – including kiosks providing food and drink. It will provide a larger, flexible space that can be utilised for activities such as town centre events. It’s fantastic to see so many of our regeneration projects come to fruition, with the Bingo Hall project, Y Muni, YMa, Llys Cadwyn and the Cwrt yr Orsaf housing scheme all having been delivered in recent years.

“I’d like to thank residents, businesses and town centre visitors for your cooperation while the M&S site is completed. The Council and its contractor will work to minimise local disruption, and will provide key progress updates in the weeks and months ahead as this exciting scheme progresses.”