Cwmbran Project Examples
The Canal
The regeneration of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is a key aim for Torfaen County Borough Council and is the focus of the ‘Living Links’ Big Lottery Bid which will be submitted in May 2007, the outcome of which will be heard in October 2007. The aim of the bid is to facilitate community regeneration through developing and enhancing the economic, environmental and social potential of the canal. Torfaen County Borough Council is leading this project and working in partnership with Newport City Council, Caerphilly County Borough Council, The Monmouthshire, Brecon and Abergavenny Canals Trust and the Forestry Commission Wales.
The canal is also the focus of other European funded projects including the Interreg Crosscut project. Through Crosscut a comprehensive Canal Management Plan has been produced. This study looks at the ecology, recreation, access, landscape, education and interpretation of the canal and how it can be managed in a sustainable way.
NEWTASC
Torfaen is the lead partner is a transnational project submitted under Interreg 111B (ERDF). The project provides baseline material and allows implementation of small pilot schemes, such as environmental improvements at Fairwater. The project began in 2003 and the New Towns involved are from across England, Netherlands and France.
Cwmbran Town Centre Masterplanning
Cwmbran town centre has been the main focus of growth for Torfaen County Borough since its new town designation in 1949. In 2003 the Council began to examine the uses, pressure and opportunities of the town centre along with the views and aspirations of stakeholders in order to deliver a vision for the town centre. Consultants GVA Grimley were appointed to assist in the task and in February 2005 published a report entitled ‘The Future Development of Cwmbran Town Centre Torfaen Local Development: Planning Policy Options Paper’.
Following consultation on the Options Paper, Torfaen Council is now working on a Pre Deposit Local Development Plan entitled 'Draft Plan for Cwmbran Town Centre', which will ensure that the town centre is developed in a holistic and sustainable way. The document will identify the land uses that are acceptable in certain areas and provide general development advice such as design considerations. This document will form part of the Local Development Plan for Torfaen. In order to facilitate the development of the town centre the Council is preparing the Pre Deposit Framework document in advance of the Deposit Local Development Plan. Once the Draft Framework document is approved by Cabinet a six week consultation period during the summer of 2007 is planned.
Local Shopping Centres
The shopping centres have played an important part in the local community in Cwmbran. However, the buildings are showing their age. The Council has commissioned a study of each of the areas to identify opportunities and provide a masterplan for their future improvement. The study will provide ideas for environmental improvements as well as design guidance to ensure a coherent approach to the development of each local centre
Cwmbran Operational Group
A partnership set up with Cwmbran and Croesyceiliog and Llanyrafon Community Councils to deliver a programme of local regeneration projects and environmental improvements that assist in the delivery of the Torfaen Regeneration Strategy.