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A new landmark transport interchange costing between £30m and £40m is at the heart of an ambitious new project to revitalise Caerphilly town.
The Caerphilly 2035 project outlines millions of pounds worth of potential investment in the town and surrounding area over the next 15 years.
The main elements of the Caerphilly 2035 project include:
- A new multimillion pound transport interchange.
- A major £15 million mixed retail and residential development.
- The creation of a new ‘Boutique’ hotel development at Park lane.
- £5 million investment in new visitor facilities at Caerphilly Castle.
The development project for Caerphilly interchange is already underway with the deadline for tenders for architects having already passed.
The council is working with Transport for Wales and the Design Commission for Wales on the scheme with the aim for it to be ready for use by the end of 2025.
The idea is for this development to link with the £5m investment being made by Cadw into Caerphilly Castle to create a “world class heritage attraction” and turn Caerphilly town into a major destination for tourists.
The link between the interchange and the castle is Cardiff Road and the council wants to see the two projects bring a boost to the road’s shops.
What are the plans?
The Caerphilly 2035 project outlines millions of pounds worth of potential investment in the town and surrounding area over the next 15 years.
In addition to a £30m transport interchange and a £5m investment by Cadw in Caerphilly Castle, the blueprint outlines other developments that could go ahead – if funding can be secured.
These include:
- A major £15 million mixed retail and residential development
- The creation of a new ‘Boutique’ hotel development at Park lane
- An ambitious new ‘Leisure Quarter’ offering new leisure, retail, commercial and business opportunities in the town centre.
Council leader Philippa Marsden said: “The Caerphilly 2035 project is an ambitious plan that sets out aspirations to adapt and evolve the town over the next 15 years.
“A series of core ambitions, involving key intervention areas and a clear set of projects that can be progressed and implemented to guide growth, to make Caerphilly a more diverse and successful town centre.”
What else is in the plan?
Electric bikes are proposed in the project to establish the interchange as a green travel hub. In addition to a new walking and cycling path from Caerphilly Business Park to the town centre to promote active travel.
Cardiff Road’s street scene is to be enhanced and improvements to pedestrians’ experience with new seating areas and shop signs. The pavement will be widened and through-traffic will be discouraged by “natural traffic calming measures”.
One aspect of the project proposes to better integrate Caerphilly Castle with the town centre by developing a leisure quarter overlooking the heritage site.
The plans for the surrounding area of the castle will work alongside Cadw’s transformation of the castle – which is set to spend £5 million on new visitor facilities.
The Twyn Community Centre is proposed as a “headquarters” for creative arts and a new outdoor events pavilion could be located in the Twyn car park.
Facilities for camping and caravans are proposed for Crescent Road playing fields – to be used during summer events. In addition to a new boutique hotel at Park Lane.
Other proposals include the possible extension of Castle Court shopping centre to accommodate additional shops, and the restoration of Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall.
A residential development is proposed to the north of Morrisons car park – this would act as natural surveillance for the potential active travel route from Lansbury Park to the town centre.
Lansbury Park is listed as a particular regeneration priority for the council. Despite being excluded from the four areas of focus, improvements will be made to Lansbury Park’s connectivity to the town centre.
Additionally, the project states that training will be provided for residents in the Lansbury Park area, to ensure they can get jobs and take advantage of the new opportunities in the town centre.
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