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New investment and regeneration plans for Bargoed and Blackwood will help the towns “recover” from economic challenges and “ultimately thrive”.
Caerphilly County Borough Council has set out that vision for the two towns in new placemaking plans – strategic documents aimed at increasing prosperity and revitalising high streets.
Senior councillors hope Bargoed and Blackwood will experience similar levels of investment as seen in Caerphilly town, where a placemaking plan has been in place for several years and has been linked to projects such as the Ffos Caerffili market.
“Each town is different, but the broad concepts are to develop town centres as places focusing on creating vibrant, sustainable communities,” said Cllr Jamie Pritchard, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration.
The local authority said the plans had been developed following engagement with local residents and councillors, and if approved will “serve as vital frameworks to help secure external funding and guide regeneration efforts over the coming years”.
At their heart, placemaking plans set out a “vision for town centres” which aim to tackle the “decline in our traditional high streets”, the new plan for Bargoed states.
The council describes Bargoed as having a “strong industrial history and culture”, but claims “this cannot continue to define the town” and a “refreshed modern identity is required”.
It has suggested setting up a Business Improvement District (BID) to help local firms collaborate on town-centre improvements, as well as developing a year-round events programme.
More town-centre housing, hospitality businesses and public services will also help improve footfall in a place which currently has nearly 9,000 weekly visitors.
The council will look to improve connections between the high street, railway station and bus station; and take action to deter “illegal parking”.
Shopfronts will have “new life” breathed into them, and there will be more planting “to create pockets of green calm”, according to the plan.
Ultimately, the town centre “will become more compact with an active and diverse high street at the heart”.
In Blackwood town centre, which currently has around 20,000 weekly visitors, the council notes the high street has “tough competition” due to the emergence of nearby retail parks and supermarkets.
The council’s vision is to cement Blackwood’s place as the “town that connects [the] north and south” of the county borough, offering retail, services, leisure and entertainment to its residents and visitors.
It wants to develop a “better quality pedestrian environment” by improving connections between services and public transport; “repurpose and redevelop” empty buildings; and introduce more public services, including for young people.
The council also wants more “high quality” homes in Blackwood town centre, and plans to improve the look of existing green spaces and notable buildings such as the Miners’ Institute.
“We’ve committed nearly £1 million from our reserves to bring these placemaking plans forward,” said Cllr Pritchard. “They represent a real opportunity to breathe new life into both towns and attract much-needed investment.
“We want to see positive momentum in all our town centres. With these Placemaking Plans, we’re setting the foundations to create opportunity and build stronger, more prosperous communities in Bargoed and Blackwood. I hope there will be a positive reaction from residents towards the new plans.”
All councillors will be given a chance to discuss the plans and share their views at a meeting on Tuesday July 1.
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