Decision details

The Director of Prosperity and Development provided the Cabinet with details of a proposal to repurpose the Rock Grounds Buildings in Aberdare into a quality hotel facility with restaurant, bar and spa; and sought approval to commence formal procurement of a development partner to deliver such a scheme.

The Cabinet Member for Development and Prosperity voiced his support in respect of the ambitious proposal. The Cabinet Member spoke of the recent Tourism report, which had highlighted a shortage of tourist accommodation in RCT, particularly the upper valley; and of the recent Aberdare Town Centre Strategy, which highlighted the need to increase tourist accommodation to benefit the region, as a whole. The Cabinet Member felt that the proposal before Members, would build upon those needs, whilst bringing a historic building back into use for tourism and for the local population.

The Leader was in support of the proposals and commented that it would be pleasing to see investment into the building. The Leader referred to the unique venture, Lanelay Hall, within the South of the Borough, as an example of successful tourist accommodation.

The Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    To note the strategic framework provided by the Aberdare Regeneration Strategy, the Council’s Office Accommodation Strategy and the Council’s Tourism Strategy as a basis for redeveloping the Rock Grounds Buildings in Aberdare Town Centre;

2.    To consider the draft proposals for the repurposing and refurbishment of the Rock Grounds Buildings, Aberdare into a quality hotel facility with restaurant, bar and spa;

3.    To progress to a formal procurement stage to secure a development partner to deliver a hotel on the site subject to future update reports on progress; and

4.    To receive a further report following the completion of the procurement stage and identifying any changes to the current ideas for the site following further feasibility work with the agreed development partner.