Pontypool Town Centre boosted with £7.6 million (Levelling Up Fund 2)
Torfaen council will use £7.6 million from the Levelling Up Fund to regenerate Pontypool Town Centre. Derelict buildings will be refurbished to create a restaurant and a multi-purpose culture and arts centre.
The package of three projects is located around the Hanbury Road/Glantorvaen Road junction.
Cultural and Arts centre
Funding will regenerate the derelict, Grade II listed, St James’ Church into a thriving cultural hub.
The new cultural centre will include:
- a pop-up cinema and food and beverage outlets
- mixed use space, including a mezzanine bar
- exhibition and community event space
Cllr Joanne Gauden, Executive Member for Economy, Skills & Regeneration, said:
The cultural hub is the cornerstone of our Pontypool Placemaking plans. We have some wonderful assets in the town and all these projects will deliver a reason to visit Pontypool of an evening.
A new café and restaurant
Public toilets opposite St James’ Church and at the entrance of Pontypool Park will also be redeveloped. The toilets will be transformed into a landmark café and restaurant.
The new café and and restaurant will:
- offer a high-quality lunchtime café offer and ‘small plates’ style restaurant in the evening
- create opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship
Glantorvaen Carpark
Funding will also be used to renovate the existing Glantorvaen car park.
Improvements will:
- provide safe and secure parking
- introduce solar energy power into the facility
- include electrical charging points
- reduce the opportunities for antisocial behaviour
The package of projects will kickstart Pontypool’s wider regeneration
Find out more about Levelling Up