Development plans for a new-look Newbridge town centre have been discussed by councillors.
Yesterday, cabinet members at Caerphilly County Borough Council discussed a report called the ‘Newbridge Town Centre Action Plan 2010’. The plan, once agreed upon by full council, will become the framework for the town’s regeneration over the next three years and beyond.
Councillor Ron Davies, cabinet member for regeneration said: “The regeneration of our town centres is a key priority for the council and this key strategic document spells out a bright future for Newbridge and builds on the success of recent investment. We have consulted the community and the feedback has been very positive, so I would like to thank everyone who is helping to shape the future of their town.”
More than £3.7 million from European and Welsh Assembly Government grant aid has already been approved for various projects in Newbridge, part of which has gone towards the cost of Calzaghe Bridge, with the remainder to be spent on further public realm works in the town centre.
Match funding of £30,000 in 2010/11, £40,000 in 2011/12 and £30,000 in 2012/13 has been earmarked from the council’s Urban Renewal budget over the next three years and an application is currently pending for European and WAG funding for the Newbridge Institute and Memorial Hall.
Further grant aid will be sought from a number of funding bodies such as the European Convergence Fund and, where appropriate, bodies such as Cadw, the Welsh Assembly Government and Lottery funds.
Cllr Davies added: “We are keen to promote Newbridge as an attractive investment opportunity for the private sector and these plans will help position the town centre as a major commercial hub ideally located in the heart of the South Wales Valleys.”