Latest news with #JamiePritchard
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Caerphilly Town 2035: Residents to have say on next phase
Caerphilly Town 2035 is aimed at attracting more investment and revitalising the town as a destination for residents and visitors alike. Milestones to date include the opening of the shipping container-style market – Ffos Caerffili – and the recent completion of renovations and improvements to the tourism offer at the town's iconic castle. The next stage of the multimillion-pound project will focus on improvements to the top of town. A new round of consultation has been launched in the town centre, hoping to provide decision-makers 'targeted engagement with key communities from hard-to-reach groups to young people and families'. 'The Caerphilly Town 2035 plan has been bringing ambitious revitalisation to make Caerphilly the very best place to live, work, and visit it possibly can,' a Caerphilly County Borough Council spokesperson said. 'To build on our success further, we are once again asking for your input to create the Caerphilly you want to see.' A series of closed engagement events will be held with specific groups in the town throughout August. Then, all residents can have their say at a 'public finale' on Saturday September 6, at Y Banc (the former Barclays building), and at Stockland and Windsor Squares off Cardiff Road. The engagement campaign began earlier in August with an event organised in partnership with Valley Daffodils, a charity for people who have disabilities and additional learning needs. Ceri Hooper, the charity's founder and chairperson, said: 'It's really encouraging – and important – to see inclusivity built into the plans for Caerphilly Town 2035. 'Census data indicates Caerphilly has one of the highest proportions of disabled adults in Wales. This makes it even more important that this demographic is consulted and included in any plans that will affect the day-to-day of all who live in, work in, and visit Caerphilly.' Other branches of the wider Caerphilly Town 2035 project include proposals to redevelop the railway and bus stations as a new public transport 'interchange', as well as the construction of a new leisure centre off Van Road and a housing complex in Pentrebane Street. Some elements of the project have previously come in for criticism, with the council's Plaid group arguing the plans should make more of the town's heritage and historic buildings rather than replace them. The local authority's deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Jamie Pritchard, believes the council's work is 'starting to pay off', however. 'A new market, the redevelopment of the top of town, a new leisure centre, massive investment in the castle plus plans for a cultural centre and new hotel, [are all] wrapped up in a defined Caerphilly placemaking plan,' he said. 'The large bulk of the finance is coming from outside council funds, but we are there to help drive it.' Cllr Pritchard said the local authority is also 'committed' to similar strategies recently agreed for Bargoed and Blackwood, as well as further plans for elsewhere in the borough. 'We can see positive things happening when putting plans together,' he added.
South Wales Argus
09-08-2025
- South Wales Argus
Blackwood Miners' Institute among best attractions in Wales
Blackwood Miners' Institute has been recognised in TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards for 2025, which lists the top 10 per cent of attractions worldwide. The award is based on visitor feedback left on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period, making it a reliable indicator of popular attractions. The recognition comes five months after a major funding boost saved the venue from being mothballed by the council. Councillor Jamie Pritchard, deputy leader and cabinet member for prosperity, regeneration, and transformation, said: "I'm absolutely delighted that Blackwood Miners' Institute has been recognised with a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award for 2025. "It's a real testament to the passion and hard work of the entire team. "I want to thank our audiences for their continued support and for taking the time to leave such fantastic feedback." Some of the reviews that contributed to the award include praise for the staff, the shows, and the overall experience at the institute. One visitor, who attended in June 2025, described a "fabulous night" and said the staff were extremely helpful and accommodating. Another visitor, who attended in April 2025, said: "A fantastic night. Everything about BMI is amazing. All staff at BMI are friendly, kind and sincere. "The show (Rave On) was brilliant. We had the most wonderful evening - we didn't want it to end." The pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, was also praised by a visitor in December 2024, who said it was "amazing" and "great value." They added that the staff are "friendly and very helpful." The recognition is a significant boost for the theatre, which was saved from being closed earlier this year. It was announced in April that the popular theatre would remain open after a "major funding boost". The decision to close the theatre was made in February after Caerphilly County Borough Council agreed its budget for the 2023/24 financial year. The council previously said this was due to the "scale of the financial challenge" it faces and the "urgent need" to make savings and generate income.
South Wales Argus
10-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Regeneration plans will be ‘transformative' for Blackwood
Placemaking plans are blueprints which set out how Caerphilly County Borough Council will try to breathe new life into town centres and attract grants and investment. Based on the plan already in place for Caerphilly town, the new documents seek to continue that work in other parts of the borough, said Cllr Jamie Pritchard, the cabinet member for regeneration. The council's aim is to 'rejuvenate our high streets in challenging times' and 'we are positive about what Blackwood and Bargoed can become', he added. The plans have been developed through consultation with local residents, traders and councillors, a council meeting heard on Tuesday July 1. Liam Hopkins, from planning specialists The Urbanists, which drew up the placemaking plans, said there are 'different opportunities' for each town, based on the 'shared aspirations of residents and businesses'. In Bargoed, the proposals include more events, town-centre housing, hospitality businesses, better connections between the high street and public transport, and action against problem parking. Proposals for Blackwood include improved connections, more homes in the town centre, better green spaces, and a wider leisure and entertainment offer. Residents of both towns will see empty shops tackled in a bid to improve the look and feel of their high streets. Elvis to be in the building as family arrange Risca fundraiser Town's Pride shows how much we have grown - says organiser This could include the council taking over some vacant properties by way of a £4.5 million grant, Cllr Pritchard said. Blackwood councillor Andrew Farina-Childs said he 'fully' supports the new placemaking plan, which would 'undoubtedly have a positive impact and really see the town thriving again'. He singled out proposals for more leisure, accessible and youth services as highlights, as well as practical additions such as public toilets and some free car parking. Fellow Blackwood councillor Nigel Dix also supported the plan, but said it would 'take years to come to fruition'. He urged the council to 'keep consulting' with traders, residents and councillors throughout the process. Aberbargoed and Bargoed councillor Dawn Ingram-Jones called the plan for her ward 'very exciting' and said the town's regeneration would be 'transformatory' and 'make a difference'. 'We are really looking forward to the mix of uses,' she said. 'Retail as we know is very difficult'. Ward colleague Cllr Christine Bissex-Foster noted the plans are 'not a short-term project' and asked how the council will 'ensure this stays at the top of the pile and [is] not forgotten'. 'We've got a really strong team, really energetic,' replied Allan Dallimore, the council's regeneration services manager. 'It's going to be a constant engagement,' Cllr Pritchard added.
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
The former Caerphilly indoor market is being turned into a new apartment and office scheme
The former Caerphilly indoor market is being turned into a new apartment and office scheme The development from Linc Cymru will see 71 apartments new commercial units and public space (Image: RPWALTON ) Work has started demolishing the site of the former indoor market in Caerphilly that will make way for a £21m mixed-use scheme that will include 72 apartments. The project on Pentrebane Street in the centre of the town is being led by Linc Cymru (part of housing association Pobl Group) with support from Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns programme. As well as 72 apartments the scheme will also provide seven commercial units, designed to attract a variety of businesses, and new public space. Artist impression fo the mixed-use scheme from Linc Cymru in Caerphilly. Jayne Bryant, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government said of the development:"The demolition and development of this site is an important milestone in the ambitious plans for Caerphilly's town centre. "With the help of around £6m Transforming Towns funding from the Welsh Government, this scheme will deliver much-needed housing in the town centre along with commercial units, which will go towards increasing housing supply in Caerphilly, supporting local businesses, and breathing new life into the high street." Article continues below Jamie Pritchard, deputy leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, added:"We're delighted to see the development of Caerphilly progress. The demolition of the old market at Pentrebane Street will create housing, open space, and a healthy mix of commercial and retail units. This will allow more people to live and work in our town. "Through extensive community engagement and consultation, we know that housing and new commercial opportunities is a major topic for Caerphilly residents and we're pleased to be able to address that through the work of the Caerphilly Town 2035 placemaking plan. "This project will go some way towards injecting some vibrancy into the area, so we look forward to getting on with the job." The former indoor market building in Caerphilly Grant Prosser, head of development (east) at Pobl Group said: "We welcome the start of demolition at Pentrebane Street as a key step towards transforming this part of Caerphilly town centre. It marks another important milestone in the ongoing regeneration plans for the town centre. "We have been working in partnership with Caerphilly Council and once the site is ready, we look forward to delivering a development that offers safe, high-quality homes alongside vibrant commercial units and shared green spaces. This project is about creating a place where people can live well, feel connected, and be part of a thriving community." Article continues below
South Wales Argus
04-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Pentrebane Street in Caerphilly: Demolition of market begins
The project, located on Pentrebane Street in Caerphilly, started on Monday, June 30, and marks a significant milestone in the Caerphilly Town 2035 placemaking plan. The £21 million scheme is being delivered by Linc Cymru in partnership with Caerphilly County Borough Council and backed by the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns programme. Jayne Bryant, cabinet secretary for housing and local government, said: "The demolition and development of this site is an important milestone in the ambitious plans for Caerphilly's town centre. "With the help of around £6 million Transforming Towns funding from the Welsh Government, this scheme will deliver much-needed housing in the town centre along with commercial units, which will go towards increasing housing supply in Caerphilly, supporting local businesses, and breathing new life into the high street." The development will include 72 apartments, seven commercial units, and new public spaces. Councillor Jamie Pritchard, deputy leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: "We're delighted to see the development of Caerphilly progress. "The demolition of the old market at Pentrebane Street will create housing, open space, and a healthy mix of commercial and retail units." Grant Prosser, head of development (East) at Pobl Group, said: "We welcome the start of demolition at Pentrebane Street as a key step towards transforming this part of Caerphilly town centre. "It marks another important milestone in the ongoing regeneration plans for the town centre."
