Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has appointed Horan Construction to redevelop the Marks & Spencer site at 97-102 Taff Street in Pontypridd having, secured the necessary £5.8m funding.
The site has been earmarked for development as part of the Southern Gateway redevelopment in Pontypridd – with the area demolished last year in preparation. A ‘riverside plaza’ has been formally proposed for the site, to provide a functional public space and open the townscape towards the river for the first time in more than 100 years.
The majority of the site will be raised out of the flood zone, based on flood modelling. A lane leading to a park will also have enhanced resurfacing and street lighting.
Cardiff-based Horan Construction will undertake site mobilisation this month, with the main construction phase due to start in February. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2026.
Funding includes contributions from the Welsh government’s Transforming Towns Programme (£3.68m) and the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (£1.95m).
Councillor Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s cabinet member for development and prosperity, said: “Securing more than £5.6m funding for the construction phase, and appointing a main contractor, are important milestones to revitalise the former M&S and Dorothy Perkins site in Pontypridd. Having now achieved these, the council and its contractor are making the final preparations for the works to be started in the weeks ahead.
“The strategic site in the heart of Pontypridd presents a uniq