Development of the former Marks and Spencer site in Pontypridd town centre is set to start in February, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council have announced. The former M&S and Dorothy Perkins buildings, which had been empty since 2015, were demolished last year in preparation for the site to be transformed.
More than £5.6m of funding has been secured to develop the site into a proposed ‘riverside plaza’, which the council say will provide a functional and aesthetically-pleasing public space, and open the townscape towards the river for the first time in more than 100 years.
Part of the new ‘riverside plaza’ will also include small, lightweight kiosks (commercial units) that will offer the sale of food and drinks. It will also bring new green spaces of trees and foliage to the town centre.
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The redevelopment is part of the Southern Gateway project, which also saw the old Bingo Hall aka Angharads,demolished and replaced by an area with new bus bays and more seating areas which was completed earlier this year. The project aims to transform the area into a key ‘transitional space’ for a new visitor route, linking the train station to the town centre via the bingo hall site.
The council aim for the new development to provide a new open space that is flexible enough to respond to new opportunities for the town centre. The £5.6m funding has been secured via contributions from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme (£3.68 million) and the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (£1.95 million).
What the new development is set to look like -Credit:Rhondda Cynon Taf Council
Flood modelling is being used to ensure that the majority of the site will be raised out of the flood zone after Taff Street and other areas of Pontypridd have been hit with flooding over the last few years, most recently in November during Storm Bert. The lane leading to Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, where the National Eisteddfod was held last summer, will also have enhanced resurfacing and street lighting.
Horan Construction Ltd. have been appointed to deliver the works scheme. Site mobilisation will begin in January 2025, with the main construction phase due to start in February. For the latest Pontypridd news, sign up to our newsletter here
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.”