The future of the former Marks and Spencer store in Pontypridd has been confirmed as part of a significant transformation of the town centre. The closed M&S, along with former Dorothy Perkins and Burtons buildings on Taff Street, will be converted into two food outlets following approval from the council's planning committee on Thursday.
Riverside Plaza Development
The development is part of a larger scheme to create a riverside plaza in Pontypridd town centre, featuring an enhanced public realm designed to improve pedestrian connectivity, local amenities, and sustainable travel options. According to the planning report, the new units will have a similar appearance to those built on the site of the former bingo hall. The application site lies within the Pontypridd town centre conservation area and also falls within flood zone two for rivers.
No letters of objection or public representations were submitted regarding the application.
Councillor's Support
Councillor Loretta Tomkinson expressed hope that the public would view the plans positively for the future of Pontypridd town centre. She commented, "There have been many comments over the years about the decline of our town, Pontypridd town centre, and the challenges it has faced. I hope residents will recognise that this development forms part of the wider regeneration for our town and these proposed food outlets will help bring activity into our town, footfall into the new riverside plaza, hopefully encouraging people to spend more time in our town. And I hope people will see that RCT are committed to improving our towns, so I welcome this proposal."
Planning Officers' Recommendation
In recommending approval, planning officers stated, "The operation of modular food outlets at the application site is considered appropriate within this town centre location, contributing to its vitality and viability. The units would form part of a wider public realm enhancement, improving pedestrian connectivity, local amenity, and sustainable travel options, while providing an attractive feature for users of the riverside plaza and helping to draw footfall. The proposal has been assessed against the relevant policies of the local development plan and is acceptable in terms of highways, visual impact, and effects on neighbouring residential amenity."
