Posted on: Monday 30 May 2022
Ambitious plans to revitalise Blaenavon and Pontypool town centres have been unveiled.
The regeneration and investment proposals aim to redevelop the areas for people who already live and work in the areas, as well as attracting new businesses and visitors.
The plans for Blaenavon include improved links between the town and local tourist attractions, enhanced public spaces including Market Square, and a plan to bring new traders into the town.
The vision for Pontypool includes a new cafe and cultural hub on Hanbury Road that links the park and town centre, redevelopment of Civic Centre car park to make it more accessible and further improvements to the market.
Local residents and businesses are now being asked for their views on the Placemaking Plans, which will help to set Torfaen Council's investment aspirations over the next 10 years.
Councillor Joanne Gauden, Executive Member for Economy, Skills and Regeneration, said: "Blaenavon and Pontypool have rich histories as important commercial centres and we want to ensure they continue to attract residents, visitors and businesses in the 21st century.
"The proposals set out exciting visions for both towns but it is essential that the people who live and work there tell us what they think about the ideas, especially anything you think we have missed.
"These are long term plans and demonstrate our commitment to investing in Blaenavon and Pontypool for the future."
There are a number of ways to find out more about the plans and take part in the consultation:
- Head to our online community engagement page
- View the plans and complete paper questionnaires at Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Tuesday to Sunday, between 10am and 5pm; Pontypool Civic Centre, Monday to Friday, between 9am to 4.30pm; Ty Blaen, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 1pm.
- Visit a drop in session at Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Church Road, Blaenavon NP4 9AE, Wednesday 15 June, between 2pm and 7pm.
- Or Pontypool Community Office, 35a Commercial Street, Pontypool, NP4 6JQ, on Thursday 16 June, between 2pm – 7pm.
The consultation closes on Monday 27 June. Responses to individual comments will form part of a report which will be presented to Councillors in July 2022.