Work on the latest phase of an ambitious regeneration scheme for Bargoed town centre has begun.
Construction work on a new bus station and a scheme to link the new site with the High Street began in earnest yesterday.
The work includes the construction of new steps and the demolition of the former ‘Powercut’ building and adjacent building to provide a new pedestrian access to the town centre.
Alun Griffiths Contractors is carrying out the £2m scheme, which is expected to last six months.
The relocation of Bargoed bus station to the purpose-built site at the northern end of the town, next to the existing railway station, will signal the next phase in the development of the town’s ‘Transport Hub’.
The new bus station will consist of five bays, and will also provide good pedestrian routes to the new retail development and Hanbury Road Car Park. The works also include:
- New Public Conveniences for the town.
- Landscaping and quality street furniture including cycle stands, benches, signage and bins.
- Street lighting
- CCTV
Councillor Ron Davies, cabinet member for regeneration and countryside said: “Bargoed is a key strategic town centre with a very proud history, and I am hopeful that these ambitious schemes will have an extremely positive impact and give Bargoed a vibrant future as a key shopping destination in the heart of the South Wales Valleys.”
In January this year, Deputy Minister of Housing and Regeneration Jocelyn Davies visited Bargoed to announce an £8.3m funding package for the major regeneration works for the town.
This includes money from the European Regional Development Fund and Targeted Match Funding through the Welsh Assembly Government.
It is also made up of Urban Renewal funding from Caerphilly County Borough Council as well as a Transport Grant and Heads of the Valleys programme funding which has already been secured through the Welsh Assembly Government.
Caerphilly’s Labour AM Jeff Cuthbert AM has welcomed the start of the work.
He said: “I am pleased that work is about to begin on what will no doubt be a very welcome development
in Bargoed town centre.
“The role of European Structural Funds in making sure this gets off the ground has been crucial. These funds can play a vital role in helping to regenerate places like Bargoed and can help lead to the creation of new jobs.
“It is important that the Welsh Government and Caerphilly Council carry on working closely together so that we get the best deal for a historic town like Bargoed.”
For more information visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk/bargoedsbigidea