Agenda and draft minutes

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

Note:

1.     Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest; and

2.     Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a prejudicial interest they must  notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, there were no declarations of interest made pertaining to the agenda.

To receive a presentation from the Director, Regeneration & Planning, updating the Cabinet on the progress which has been made on the redevelopment of the Taff Vale site.

The Director, Regeneration & Planning and the Service Director, Corporate Design and Maintenance presented to the Cabinet a detailed update on the redevelopment of the Taff Vale precinct site (attached).

The officers explained that the scheme still seeks to achieve the ambition of the initial concept and that completion of the scheme was envisaged to be the summer of 2019. The officers added that updates regarding external funding opportunities would be presented to Cabinet at a future date.

The Leader of the Council took the opportunity to thank the officers on their hard work over the past two years in creating a major regional development opportunity that would increase the footfall and revenue of Pontypridd and the wider area.

The Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Tourism & Planning also expressed his gratitude to officers and to the Leader for making rapid progress in delivering such a huge project. The Cabinet Member was pleased to note that local traders and members of the public had had an input in the project.

The Deputy Leader praised the designs shown in the presentation, adding that retail would only come to a town centre if the footfall is there and that the redevelopment of the Taff Vale precinct site will contribute to this massively. The Deputy Leader referenced other huge successes such as the Pontypridd Lido and the metro, explaining that these will complement one another in bringing benefits to the local community. 

The Cabinet Member for Economy Development, Tourism & Planning agreed with the Deputy Leader, explaining that the retail market is developing rapidly due to a change in shopping habits and it is important for the high street to reflect this.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning praised the building designs, commenting that they would be a success, much like the new school buildings developed under the 21^st Century School Programme.

The Leader concluded that the transformation of the town would see a potential for over 1000 new jobs and that he looked forward to seeing the site further progress.

N.B- County Borough Councillors G Stacey and B Morgan left the meeting.

To receive the report of the Group Director, Corporate & Frontline Services, updating Cabinet on the current progress related to the development and delivery of the major transportation project; Mountain Ash Cross-Valley Link Road.

The Service Director, Highways & Streetcare Services provided the Cabinet with an update on the progress related to the development and delivery of the major transportation project; Mountain Ash Cross-Valley Link Road.

The officer explained that the project offers the opportunity to improve accessibility and connectivity in an area where limited cross valley linkage causes significant congestion on the local and strategic transport network affecting all highway users, including commercial delivery services and public transport.

Cabinet Members were reminded of their approval to initiate the statutory processes necessary to deliver the project in September 2016. It was explained that progress had been made in securing land by mutual agreement, and that there had been developer interest in bringing forward housing development on the site immediately adjacent to the northern boundary of the link road.

Cabinet Members were referred to section 4 of the report where the proposed way forward was outlined. The officer explained that a tender package to invite tenderers to submit design and build proposals for the link road and bridge was being finalised and that the successful tenderer would be required to work up detailed designs, costings and a programme.

The Leader of the Council took the opportunity to thank officers from a variety of departments such as planning, transport and finance for working together effectively to deliver the major transportation project.

The Leader explained that the project had failed to gain funding in the past, making the securing of Welsh Government funding support such a success.

Referring to section 3.6 of the report, the Leader spoke positively of the developer interest and confirmed that conversations were ongoing.

Following further discussions, Cabinet RESOLVED:

a)    To note the progress made and endorse the next steps.

b)    To update the Council’s Capital Programme for the additional funding and reallocation of resources referred to in section 4 of the report.