Calls have been made for the council to engage with and listen to residents and businesses over some major developments planned for Pontypridd town centre. Plaid Cymru have called on Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to properly engage residents and businesses in plans to regenerate Pontypridd particularly around plans for a hotel on the former Bingo Hall site.
The developments are part of the council’s Pontypridd Town Centre Placemaking Plan which includes plans to demolish the old M&S and Dorothy Perkins and Burtons buildings and was discussed at cabinet on Wednesday, June 22. Plaid Cymru councillor Dawn Wood who represents Pontypridd Town and Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd Heledd Fychan said that while investment and development is very much needed in the area under consideration, they are urging RCT Council to re-consult and listen to the views of residents, local businesses and users of the town.
They said they are both concerned that plans were developed and presented to the community rather than developed with the community. They said that cabinet had already taken a decision at their meeting on 28 February 2022 that a hotel led development would go ahead on the Former Bingo Hall site before any consultation took place, making a “farce” of the whole process.
