Work to transform Bargoed High Street is to begin shortly.
The improvements to High Street and Upper High Street are part of the second phase of the European Union-back improvement scheme for Bargoed town centre.
The council hopes the works will make the town more vibrant and attractive to shoppers through the introduction of wider pavements and new public spaces.
Upper High Street will be closed to traffic for approximately eight weeks, between July 25 and September 19. Following these works, the lower High Street will then be closed to traffic between September 19 and November 14.
During both closures, the streets will remain open to pedestrians, and businesses will be open for trading as usual.
Cllr Ron Davies, cabinet member for regeneration and planning said: “While these works are likely to cause temporary disruption, traders and residents alike can rest assured that we are working closely with the contractors to ensure that disruption is minimised.
“With the support and patience of the Bargoed community, we can look forward to an attractive and welcoming shopping environment that will hopefully attract new businesses and even more shoppers to the town”.
The Emporium Car Park in the town will remain open throughout the works, with appropriate diversionary signs in place when Upper High Street is closed to traffic.
Alun Griffiths Contractors, who will be delivering the scheme, are working closely with local businesses in the area.
The £8m Bargoed Town Centre Regeneration project is being delivered thanks to funding from the EU’s Convergence European Regional Development Fund, and through the Welsh Government’s Targeted Match Funding and Heads of the Valleys Programme.
Following completion of this six-month programme, improvement works will extend to Hanbury Road and Hanbury Square.