What discussions has the Minister had with local businesses to encourage them back to the Pontypridd area, following the Pontypridd floods in 2020?
Transforming Towns is a coordinated package of support, which provides the Welsh Government’s core regeneration investment in town centres. Individual towns can benefit by identifying the mix of interventions which best suits their specific characteristics, local strengths, culture, and heritage. The Transforming Towns programme, which is underpinned by place making principles, actively encourages mixed use towns as places to live, work, visit and stay. Key elements of this ‘placemaking’ activity includes strong community involvement, well-being, enhancement of existing places and their unique identity. In total, over £18 million of Transforming Towns funding has been allocated to Pontypridd, supporting investment of over £52 million.
In Pontypridd, a comprehensive Placemaking Plan has been developed with Welsh Government support that sets out a long term vision for the town, alongside an implementation plan that outlines a pipeline of potential transformational projects to make it happen. Pontypridd town centre also benefits from a strong Business Improvement District (BID) which has helped the town centre recover following Storm Dennis and the pandemic.
My officials are also in regular contact with Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC regarding business support in the borough including its towns.