Decision details

The Director of Public Health, Protections and Community Services provided a further update to the Sub-Committee in relation to the infrastructure, transport and traffic, and spatial planning for the RCT National Eisteddfod of Wales 2024. 

Members were advised of a number of changes to the spatial plan previously reported to Committee in March 2024 and the Director advised that such changes mainly reflected the evolving needs of the National Eisteddfod (NE) customers with the aim of providing them with a greater overall experience.

The Committee heard updates in respect of a

·       new plan for the Maes in YWMP,

·       main site for the caravan park off Berw Road, Pontypridd,

·        the current review of the proposed location for Maes B,

·       Hawthorn High School Park and Ride,

·       update to the use of the University of South Wales Treforest Campus

·       controlled access to Taff Street and Gas Road Car Park.

The Director advised of the ongoing engagement in respect of these issues with relevant stakeholders and community groups to ensure the smooth running of the event.

The Director continued the update by providing detail on traffic and transport work to help ensure the smooth running of the event. Members were informed that a traffic management consultant had been appointed to work with all partners to devise a traffic management plan.

The Chair thanked the Director for the comprehensive report and spoke of the moving picture of the spatial plan and the need for fluidity due to the sheer logistics of the event.  The Chair referenced the unique setting of the Eisteddfod in a Town centre environment and the challenges associated with such a setting compared to a usual rural settings for the event.  The Chair commented on the importance of ensuring that the Eisteddfod was a safe environment and experience for all and thanked the Director and the Chair of the National Eisteddfod for the amount of work that was taking place behind the scenes to ensure a successful and safe Eisteddfod for RCT.

The Leader commented on the update and reference the loss of the parking arrangements with the University but noted the University hosting the Fringe as an alternative which was a positive update.  The Leader spoke of the detailed and comprehensive work being undertaken.

Discussions ensued in respect of parking arrangements in Hawthorn High School and the Director spoke of the traffic management plans in place and the contingency plans being explored.

It was RESOLVED:

       i.          To note the content of the update report