Agenda item

Derbyn adroddiad cynnydd yngl?n ag Ailddatblygu Safle Dyffryn Taf.

With the aid of Power Point, the Head of Regeneration & Prosperity presented the report of the Director of Regeneration, Planning & Housing in respect of progress of the Taff Vale Redevelopment with emphasis on achievements since the item was last reported to Scrutiny in September 2017.

Scrutiny was reminded that there is a renewed confidence in Pontypridd through the development of key regeneration schemes such as the Pontypridd Lido which has increased the footfall to the town and re-established its strategic location within the County Borough.

The Head of Regeneration & Prosperity reminded Scrutiny that the scheme incorporates three buildings on site, two large office accommodation buildings incorporating street level food/drink units and a third which will house a 21^st Century library, a Council customer contact point, a café and a new leisure and fitness centre. In addition it was reported that the development will also include a direct link with Ynysangharad War Memorial Park via a pedestrian route across the river.

Scrutiny was provided with an update on the key milestones to have taken place since the previous progress report and informed that advancement has since been made with the main construction works and the steel frames to the three buildings nearing completion. Preparation work has also begun on the footbridge following appointment of the appropriate contractor who specialises in bridge design.

An update was also provided in respect of the Contractor’s Community Benefits Plan target of 2280 weeks of recruitment and training of local people (long term unemployed, trainees, apprentices and work experience placements) With 1248 weeks having been achieved to date it was anticipated that the target would be surpassed by the end of the contract.

It was reported that on the 7^th March 2019 the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford AM, had visited the Council’s flagship development at the former Taff Vale Shopping Centre site to officially announce the new name of the site as Llys Cadwyn. The name translates to Chain Court, reflecting the strong, proud, industrial heritage of Rhondda Cynon Taf, and the world famous Brown Lenox & Co. chain works, which were situated in Pontypridd during Wales’ industrial heyday.

In conclusion, the Head of Regeneration & Prosperity explained that as part of the Contractors commitment to Pontypridd there had been discussions around a Community Legacy Project and the bowls pavilion within the park had been proposed for improvement using donated labour and materials from the Contractor.

The Head of Community Services took the opportunity to report on progress of the library facility within the development as something she had been involved with since its inception. Members were provided with an overview of the project which will include a children’s area, a craft area, a teenage space, an expanded collections area and house such artefacts as the Evans James family bible which has been revitalised by Glamorgan Archives. The Head of Community Services stressed the importance of working closely with the architects of the project to keep on track with our customers’ needs and a library that delivers an effective community space.

Following the presentation, it was agreed that Members of the Committee attend a site visit of the development in due course to see first-hand the progress made.

In response to a query regarding the importance of a clerk of works on site to monitor and sign off every stage of the development, the Service Director, Corporate Design and Maintenance confirmed that external professionals and RCT staff inspect the project of works and are jointly responsible for signing off every stage of the project with a monthly report to confirm the arrangements.

In respect of an update regarding the letting of office space within the development, it was confirmed that a marketing campaign and brochure would be launched shortly to advertise the space available. A lettings agent has been appointed who has already received a number of enquiries, in advance of the campaign and an open day has been held which also generated a number of interests.

In terms of parking facilities for the new development, it was confirmed that there are 70 car parking spaces available to users of the buildings which would complement the existing car parks in Berw Road, Sardis Road, the Goods Yard and St. Catherine’s Corner which currently offer plenty of capacity to visitors to the town. Scrutiny was reminded that the South East Wales Metro, part of the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal, will improve the connectivity by public transport across the region and offer four trains per hour in each direction.

It was RESOLVED:-

1.    To  acknowledge the progress of the Taff Vale Redevelopment;

2.    That Scrutiny Members undertake a site visit to the development site in the next few weeks; and

3.    That a further update will be reported to this Scrutiny Committee on the next key stages of the development.