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	Strategic Frameworks

You are here: Strategic Frameworks

Sustainable Regeneration - ERDF Convergence P3T2; ERDF Convergence P4T3; ERDF Convergence P5T1; ERDF Competitiveness P4

Project Ideas

Page 3

Date: 13/06/2008

Organisation Name: Carmarthenshire County Council

Project Description: To re-launch and redevelop the Lyric Theatre as a multi-funcational centre

Email Address: hlmorgan@carmartthenshire.gov.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: Carmarthen

Organisation Core Business: Local Authority

Who will be involved in delivering the project: local authority and user groups

Who will be the end beneficiaries: communities in the sub-region

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: Swansea Bay; Central; Pembs

What might the outputs be (activity measures): Additional floor-space developed:/ improved in the redevelopment of a modern multi use facility for conferencing, teaching and learning, theatre and the arts, linked to economic development and regeneration. Additional number of beneficiaries:

What might be the results of the project: Gross jobs created and safeguarded

What would its impact be: Net jobs created

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: Start April -09, Complete Sept 09

Estimated Cost: £1.3m

Where might the match funding come from: ACW & CCC

Date: 10/6/2008

Organisation Name: Canolfan Gymunedol Brynaman Community Centre

Project Description: The project is based in a community's first area with poor transport links and high unemployment rates. The Centre aims to tackle poor health and wellbeing, low skills, unemployment and isolation through delivering services on a local basis. The Centre has developed an extension through grant funding in order to achieve sustainability to ensure the long term delivery of these services. The new development includes a 50 cover Cafe/restaurant with fully equipped catering kitchen with the ability to tender for catering contracts e.g. meals on wheels and luncheon clubs. The new conference facilities and meeting rooms will allow scope to deliver training to target unemployed and voluntary groups. The smaller rooms will also allow for advice advocacy services to be delivered at the Centre e.g. smoking councillor/CAB.

Email Address: lynsey.h@brynaman.org.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: Upper Amman Valley

Organisation Core Business: Community Centre/ Cafe- Restaurant

Who will be involved in delivering the project: CAVS, Communities First, Shaw Trust, Public Health Team,

Who will be the end beneficiaries: Community Groups, Unemployed, Elderly, Single Parents, Young People

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: Swansea Bay - Western Valley's

What might the outputs be (activity measures): Number of people feeling less isolated, number of people given the skills to return to work, number of people with improved educational skills,

What might be the results of the project: Increased job opportunities in an area that has lost its industry, improved health and wellbeing, improved skills base,

What would its impact be: Improved economy, less outward migration, sustainable community facility, better quality of life

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: Local

Estimated Cost: £500,000

Where might the match funding come from: WAG

Date: 3/6/2008

Organisation Name: Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council

Project Description: The project forms part of the strategic programme of physical regeneration for the South East Wales Convergence area - "Valleys Renaissance". This programme has been developed as a result of collaboration between the 6 Valleys authorities and DE&T.

This is a comprehensive regeneration package for Treorchy Town Centre. Proposals include; - updated regeneration strategy - public realm improvements - car parking provision - improvements to Stag Square junction - redevelopment of Cae Mawr Industrial Estate

Email Address: peter.j.mortimer@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: Rhondda Cynon Taff

Organisation Core Business: Local Authority

Who will be involved in delivering the project: Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC; private sector investors

Who will be the end beneficiaries: Local businesses; employees within the town centre; surrounding community; visitors to Rhondda Cynon Taf and the surrounding area.

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: Treorchy Town Centre

What might the outputs be (activity measures): 6 hectares of land developed; 2 improvement schemes undertaken.

What might be the results of the project: 120 gross jobs created; 22,500 sqm premises created/refurbished; 25 enterprises accommodated; 150 jobs accommodated; 70% occupancy rates.

What would its impact be: A comprehensice regeneration programme which will create a viable and sustainable Town Centre. Actions will rekindle business confidence, boost investment and ensure that local wealth creation and spending is kept within the local community.

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: This project focuses on Treorchy Town Centre but it forms a key element of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Economic Regeneration Strategy. It is also a key component of the Valleys Renaissance Programme.

Estimated Cost: Estimated total project cost £16 million

Where might the match funding come from: AG Targeted Match Funding (TMF); private sector investors; Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC

Date: 3/6/2008

Organisation Name: Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council

Project Description: he project forms part of the strategic programme of physical regeneration for the South East Wales Convergence area - "Valleys Renaissance". This programme has been developed as a result of collaboration between the 6 Valleys authorities and DE&T.

This is a comprehensive regeneration package for Ferndale Town Centre. Proposals include; - streetscape / public realm enhancements - commercial facade improvements - increased car parking provision and improved access - development of Darran Park - development of new business units

Email Address: peter.j.mortimer@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: Rhondda Cynon Taff

Organisation Core Business: Local Authority

Who will be involved in delivering the project: Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC; private sector investors; DE&T

Who will be the end beneficiaries: Local businesses; employees within the town centre; local community; visitors to Rhondda Cynon Taff and the surrounding area.

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: Ferndale Town Centre

What might the outputs be (activity measures): 9 hectares of land developed; 9 improvement schemes undertaken

What might be the results of the project: 50 gross jobs created; 18,500 sqm premises created/refurbished; 25 enterprises accommodated; 150 jobs accommodated; 70% occupancy rates

What would its impact be:A comprehensive regeneration programme which will create a viable and sustainable town centre. Actions will rekindle business confidence, boosting investment and ensuring that local wealth creation and spending is kept within the community.

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: The project focuses on Ferndale Town Centre, but forms a key element of the Rhondda Cynon Taff Economic Regeneration Strategy. It is also a key component of the Valleys Renaissance Programme.

Estimated Cost: Estimated total project cost £15 million

Where might the match funding come from: WAG Targeted Match Funding (TMF); DE&T; private sector investment; Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC

Date: 2/6/2008

Organisation Name: Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council

This is a comprehensive regeneration package for Aberdare Town Centre. Proposals include; - public realm improvements - transport infrastructure enhancements - urban design and remodelling - Townscape Heritage Initiative

Email Address: peter.j.mortimer@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: Rhondda Cynon Taff

Organisation Core Business: Local Authority

Who will be involved in delivering the project: Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC; other public sector stakeholders; private sector investors

Who will be the end beneficiaries: Local businesses, surrounding communities, employees within the town centre, visitors to the Rhondda Cynon Taff and the surrounding area.

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: Aberdare Town Centre

What might the outputs be (activity measures): 2 hectares of land developed; 25 improvement schemes

What might be the results of the project: 30 gross jobs created; 45 premises created/refurbished; 30 enterprises accommodated; 200 jobs accommodated; 95 % occupancy rates.

What would its impact be: A comprehensive regeneration programme which will create a viable and sustainable town centre. Actions will rekindle business confidence, boost investment and ensure that local wealth creation and spending is kept within the local community.

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: The project focuses on Aberdare Town Centre but it forms a key element of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Economic Regeneration Strategy. It is also a key component of the Valleys Renaissance programme.

Estimated Cost: £5.85 million

Where might the match funding come from: WAG Targeted Match Funding (TMF); private sector match funding; Heritage Lottery; DE&T; Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC; Cadw; Heads of the Valleys Programme

Date: 2/6/2008

Organisation Name: Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council

This is a comprehensive regeneration package for Mountain Ash Town Centre. Proposals will include; - public realm improvements - car parking developments - development of a Cross Valley Link (East -West) - development of a Business Park to provide new modern designed industrial and office units

Email Address: peter.j.mortimer@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: Rhondda Cynon Taff

Organisation Core Business: Local Authority

Who will be involved in delivering the project: Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC; private sector investors; DE&T

Who will be the end beneficiaries: Local business; employees within the town centre; wider community; visitors to Rhondda Cynon Taf and the surrounding area.

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: Mountain Ash Town Centre and surrounding area

What might the outputs be (activity measures): 5.25 hectares of land developed; 4 improvement schemes being undertaken

What might be the results of the project: 150 gross jobs created; 17,000 sqm premises created/refurbished; 30 enterprises accommodated; 300 jobs accommodated; 80% occupancy rates

What would its impact be: A comprehensive regeneration programme which will create a viable and sustainable Town Centre. Actions will rekindle business confidence, boost investment and ensure that local wealth creation and spending is kept within the local community. Infrastructure will be improved so the key requirements of inward investors are to a required standard.

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: The project focuses on Mountain Ash Town Centre, but it forms a key element of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Economic Regeneration Strategy. It is also a key component of the Valleys Renaissance Programme

Estimated Cost: Estimated total project cost of £32.5 million

Where might the match funding come from: WAG Targeted Match Funding (TMF); private sector investment; DE&T; Rhondda Cynon Taff CBC

Date: 2/6/2008

Organisation Name: Coleg Harlech Workers' Educational Association (North Wales)

Project Description: Canolfan CAMBRIA Centre

The project proposal for the Coleg Harlech site is to develop a Conference and Exhibition Centre with a revitalized Theatre facility that will: Showcase Welsh food and culture. Provide a community facility that will benefit the regeneration of Harlech town and its surrounding catchments areas. Develop and build a modern, high quality educational/arts/conference venue fit for the 21st century to benefit learners, local and wider community and the North West Wales economy. Create Business Genesis Units which will help expand and strengthen entrepreneurial activities in the area. Refurbish and develop the Theatre to be both a conference and Arts centre. This will enable the Association to implement key curriculum developments in the areas of performing/cultural arts and community learning provision. Construct Conference and Exhibition Facilities to be used by the redeveloped 4/5 star St David's Hotel, local and national community and voluntary groups, SME's and attract businesses from all over Wales, the UK and beyond.

The project would support the Association's intention to develop a community focused venue that supports education, training, culture and arts in the region. This would enable it to develop inter-generational activities and initiatives to tackle problems facing disaffected young people and adults, from across North West Wales and beyond.

The proposal also supports the opening up of educational opportunities for local people by making the facilities available on the site e.g. library, media suite accessible to a wider group of potential users. The project will also enable the Association to enhance its provision of open learning and e-learning on site including the development of blended distance learning and residential learning.

The Halls of Residence tower block was identified in the Estates strategy prepared by Capita in 2001 as a 'liability'. This building will be demolished as part of the St David's Hotel redevelopment and a modern fit for purpose building will replace it. This new facility would also include a refurbished theatre, conference and arts accommodation as a community asset as well as housing students in term-time and providing new high quality teaching accommodation. It will also provide much needed extra bed space in the town during the holiday season, thus promoting the tourism and hospitality sectors in the locality. The project also links to the re-development of the adjoining St David's Hotel site to improve the viability of the local area and to make a significant contribution to the tourism economy and provide stable employment. We are anticipating that the new venue will become facility of national and international repute and as such will be an asset to Wales for years to come.

The Association is believed to be the area's largest employer, and this development will secure and create new jobs contributing to the sustainable regeneration of the area.

Who will be the end beneficiaries:

Learners Disadvantaged adult learners 14-19yr olds Ethnic Minority Groups Disaffected Youth Women returnees and other labour market returnees Learners with Disabilities Ex-Offenders Economically Inactive NEETS Full Cost Recovery learners Conference Attendees SMEs

Communities Local community members and groups Residential use by groups from across Wales Creative and performing arts groups

Economy Conference delegates from across Wales, UK and internationally (including linked events with redeveloped St David's Hotel) Local businesses, particularly tourism, hospitality, leisure and retail Businesses genesis start-ups

Email Address: c.l.jones@fc.harlech.ac.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: Convergence area: South Gwynedd, North Wales. Wider impact: North Wales and beyond. The project will have a wider community development impact on Harlech and the South Gwynedd region. Although the project is Harlech based it will also link to the Association's community and workplace educational provision across North and Mid Wales. It will also draw students and conference delegates and other people from the whole of Wales and beyond.

Organisation Core Business: Adult Education & Training Charity

Who will be involved in delivering the project: Coleg Harlech WEA (N) will delivery the project in partnership and consultation with Cyngor Gwynedd, the SNPA, ACW, Theatr Harlech, local businesses, community and voluntary groups and WEA South Wales. The project is also supported by DCELLS and DEIN officers within WAG.

Who will be the end beneficiaries: Disadvantaged adult learners, 14-19yr olds, Ethnic Minority Groups, Disaffected Youth, Women returnees and other labour market returnees, Learners with Disabilities, Ex-Offenders, Economically Inactive, NEETS, Full Cost Recovery learners, Conference Attendees, SMEs, Local community members and groups, Residential use by groups from across Wales, Creative and performing arts groups, Conference delegates from across Wales, UK and internationally (including linked events with redeveloped St David's Hotel), Local businesses, particularly tourism, hospitality, leisure and retail, Businesses genesis start-ups.

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: The site is located in Harlech, North West Wales. But will have a multiplier effect for the wider economy of North Wales as a whole and will benefit individuals from a much wider area covering the whole of Wales, as well as UK and international visitors.

What might the outputs be(activity measures): Additional floor-space developed: 8303sq m of floor space developed / improved in the creation of a modern multi use facility for conferencing, teaching and learning, theatre and the arts, linked to economic development and regeneration. Additional number of beneficiaries: Under 16 year olds in Association with Schools - approx. 210 / 14-19 learners - approx. 300 / Adult learners - approx. 385 / International Students - approx. 100 / Conference users - approx. 2000 / Local community members / groups - approx 200 / Local businesses assisted - approx 100

What might be the results of the project: Gross jobs created and safeguarded, SMEs accommodated, Participants accommodated, Expansion of provision for learners in the region, Harlech and South Gwynedd Regeneration - Economic and Tourism results, Increased use of Community Library and facilities, Increased business incubation and genesis space in the new facility, Increase in visitor spend in the local / regional economy.

What would its impact be: The development of a community focused venue that supports education, learning, culture and arts in the region. The project addresses the long term educational objectives of Coleg Harlech Workers' Educational Association (North Wales) as well as providing an opportunity to meet the requirements of the local population, community and visitors to the area. The proposals will significantly contribute to the regeneration of the Harlech area and seriously contribute to the economic development of the communities of West Meirionnydd and the Llyn Peninsula, by brining new investment to the area in terms of education, cultural and tourism facilities. As well as providing regional, UK and International benefits, this investment will provide employment opportunities, increase visitor spend as well as create much needed community and educational facilities in the south Gwynedd region. // The development will work in conjunction with the development of St David's Hotel nearby. The private developer and owners of the hotel are planning to build a 4/5 star hotel. The intention will be to create synergy between the two. For example, the hotel will seek to maximize room space on the basis that the Association's proposal will focus on providing conference facilities. // Another positive impact would be the demolishing of the only tower block within a National Park. The building is considered to be an eyesore and is visually polluting the coastline where there are several key landmarks. There is a designated World Heritage site situated in the upper part of Harlech where the castle sits. The site also overlooks the home of one of the finest traditional championship links courses in the world, Royal St David's golf course. // Environmentally the new build and refurbishment / enhancement of existing buildings would ensure that the future facilities are much more efficient than the existing structure with a target of BREEAMs 'Excellent' standard. The existing buildings are poorly designed in terms of energy efficiency and use including the 1960's tower block. The main reduction in carbon generation will result from minimization of the energy requirements of the building throughout its life. // A further study into the impact of the proposed project is currently taking place.

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: The capital build will be developed on the Association's main campus in Harlech, however the project is likely to have a direct affect on the whole of North Wales, and the UK, with the aim being ultimately to create an centre of international repute.

Estimated Cost: Total project costs = £14 million

Where might the match funding come from: CHWEA, Welsh Assembly Government

Date: 22/5/2008

Organisation Name: Bridgend CBC

Project Description: The project will bring forward a key employment site - Pencoed Technology Park, Bridgend,in line with the regional programme agreed bt the Regional Employment Sites and Premises Group. The project involves the construction of 30,000sq.ft. business accommodation for incubation and move-on businesses on a high quality business park.

Email Address: ray.pearce@bridgend.gov.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: Bridgend Borough

Organisation Core Business: Local Government

Who will be involved in delivering the project: WAG, BCBC and private sector

Who will be the end beneficiaries: Businesses occupying the space provided and individuals employed with those businesses

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: Pencoed Technology Park, Bridgend

What might be the results of the project: Gross jobs created, premises created, SMEs accommodated.

What would its impact be Net jobs created,

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: Physical start 2009. Completion 2010.

Estimated Cost: £5m

Where might the match funding come from: Private sector, WAG

Date: 22/5/2008

Organisation Name: Bridgend CBC

Project Description: The project will bring forward a key employment site - Island Farm, Bridgend,in line with the regional programme agreed bt the Regional Employment Sites and Premises Group. The project involves infrastucture work and the construction of 30,000sq.ft. of business (B1) accommodation

Email Address: ray.pearce@bridgend.gov.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: Bridgend Borough

Organisation Core Business: Local Government

Who will be involved in delivering the project: BCBC, WAG and private sector

Who will be the end beneficiaries: Businesses occupying the space provided and individuals employed with those businesses

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: Island Farm, Bridgend

What might be the results of the project: Gross jobs created, premises created, SMEs accommodated.

What would its impact be Net jobs created

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: Physical start 2010. Completion 2012.

Estimated Cost: £6m

Where might the match funding come from: Private sector, BCBC (land owner), WAG or other public sector such as TFM

Date: 22/5/2008

Organisation Name: Bridgend CBC

Project Description: The project will bring forward a key employment site - Parc Afon Ewenni, Waterton,.in line with the regional programme agreed bt the Regional Employment Sites and Premises Group. The project involves infrastructure work and the construction of 30,000sq.ft. of B1 office space.

Email Address: ray.pearce@bridgend.gov.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: Bridgend Borough

Organisation Core Business: Local Government

Who will be involved in delivering the project: WAG, BCBC and private sector

Who will be the end beneficiaries: Businesses occupying the space provided and individuals employed with those businesses

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: Parc Afon Ewenni, Waterton, situated south east of Bridgend town.

What might the outputs be(activity measures Land developed.

What might be the results of the project: Gross jobs created, premises created, SMEs accommodated.

What would its impact be Net jobs created,

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: Physical start 2009. Completion 2010.

Estimated Cost: £6m

Where might the match funding come from: Private sector, other public to be invesigated but not yet secured (includes DE&T, TMF and BCBC). Input may include land value

Date: 21/5/2008

Organisation Name: Ynys Mon Estates LLP

Project Description: Support the creation of a high quality Mixed Use Development in South Anglesey comprising leisure, retail and business space, set in a naturally landscaped environment including archaeological and ecological interpretation facilities by: (a) providing strategic capital investment to support the private sector in developing new build commercial premises that will provide a range of employment opportunities including housing spin-off companies capable of providing high-value jobs through association with Bangor University; (b) providing high quality demand led business premises constructed to an iconic world-class standard; (c) supporting the growth of the knowledge economy as a local driver of economic growth; (d) maximising the opportunities of Trans-European Network links to Ireland to generate additional employment and economic growth The South Anglesey site has already been recognised as one of strategic importance in North West Wales, and will be developed in partnership between public and private sector. The Development is intended as an exemplar in sustainability - achieving BREEAM Excellent standards, environmentally and culturally sensitive, utilising local methane emissions, and rainwater recycling

The site presents an exciting and challenging opportunity to produce a contemporary mixed-use development that respects both the dynamics of retail, leisure and commerce as well as the unique features of the existing environment. The aim is to marry the diverse and complex aspects of each in a manner that creates a vibrant, exciting yet sensitive scheme.

From a strategic viewpoint, the proposals seek to pull together these contrasting elements by using a masterplan that respects the scale and functionality of each, as well as the topography and ecology of the site. In this regard, the scheme is broken-down into 4 key components situated on the upper and lower plateaux of the site. These comprise retail and business units situated at higher level, and retail and leisure facilities on the lower area of land.

It is intended that the architectural language of the proposed buildings will be unashamedly contemporary reflecting the dynamics of shopping, leisure and commerce today and creating a forward-looking landmark development. . It is intended that the 100,000 sq ft commercial premises included within the project will be constructed to an iconic world-class standard. Bold simple forms utilizing a concise palette of materials seek to create a scheme of crisp, clean lines. In counterpoint, the proposals incorporate a variety of sail-like canopies and structures adding both interest to the building facades, protection form the elements and cohesion between the landscaped spaces.

The proposals will also pay careful regard to the existing environment highlighting the importance of sustainability. This will include comprehensive and sensitive landscaping of the site throughout, retention of the existing ancient burial chamber and bluebell wood, and the creation of a new pond for the newts and the like.

In addition the development will enable improvements to be made to the local road infrastructure, provide a public sector transport interchange that will relieve pressure on the A55/Britannia Bridge, and facilitate the creation of a network of cycle-ways and footpaths linking the development to local villages.

Email Address: cps@speckledhouse.freeseve.co.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: North West Wales Spatial Plan

Organisation Core Business: Private Sector

Who will be involved in delivering the project: Ynys Mon Estates LLP, Ynys Mon CC, and other public sector partners

Who will be the end beneficiaries: Local Population through increased and more diverse job opportunities enabling more young people to remain in the area.

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: North West Wales Spatial Area - Mon/Menai

What might the outputs(activity measures Net Jobs and Quality of Jobs created

What might be the results of the project: Halt the erosion of employment opportunities in the area; providing quality and value-added employment opportunities that will encourage young people to stay and bring up their families in the area, thus reversing the gradual aging of the local population structure. As well as the formal outputs specified above, the project will also support the Welsh Language and create public transport links.

What would its impact be Halt the erosion of employment opportunities in the area: providing quality and value-added employment opportunities that will encourage young people to stay and bring up their families in the area, thus reversing the gradual aging of the local population structure. As well as the formal outputs specified above, the project will also support the Welsh Language and create public transport links.

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: Total developable area is 40 acres of which 100,000 sq feet will be commercial premises comprising two 20,000 sq ft and two 30,000 sq ft buildings constructed to BREEAM Excellent standard. The aim is to create iconic buildings which will be attractive world-class business locations. However there are inevitable discrepancies between the cost of building to these standards and the achievable letting income. This Expression of Interest is in respect of a grant to support the building of a 30,000 sq ft building in Phase Two of the development.

Estimated Cost: Grant sought is £3 million for a 30,000 sq ft premises - see attached financial appraisal

Where might the match funding come from: Private Sector

Date: 20/5/2008

Organisation Name: Integrated Business Services

Project Description: Develop 5 new factories at Parc Hendre total 5k sq metres, on an ex opencast site of 2.5 hectares

Email Address: wynpryce@aol.com

Geographical Area of Operation: South and West Wales

Organisation Core Business: Business Development

Who will be involved in delivering the project: ntegra, CCC, WAG, SME's

Who will be the end beneficiaries: SME's

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: Swansea bay ( Cross Hands, Ammanford )

What might be the outputs(activity measures New build, new skills, increased productive capacity.

What might be the results of the project: New jobs,

What would its impact: be increased economic activity

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: 5k sq m of workspace, 2.5 hectares of regenerated opencast,

Estimated Cost: £4m

Where might the match funding come from: Private Sector

Date: 20/5/2008

Organisation Name: Bridgend County Borough Council

Project Description: Project Name - Bridgend Town Centre Library & Multi-Storey Car Park

This is a 'Valleys Renaissance' Project. The Valleys Renaissance represents a physical regeneration programme for South East Wales and has been formulated after two years of collaboration between the six Valley authorities in this area, DE&T and a number of other interested parties.

In line with the aims of the Bridgend Town Centre Regeneration Strategy, the project involves the development of a new build combined library and multi-storey car park on the existing Brackla Street car park site, which is owned by BCBC. The proposed development would accommodate a new Bridgend town lending library, as well as housing the county borough's reference library, information centre and local studies library. It would also provide a 450 space car park ideally located to serve Bridgend town centre.

Based on information provided by the appointed consultants of BCBC, GVA Grimley, a feasibility study estimated development time for the project as two years. However, to ensure that sufficient time is allowed for tendering processes and to cater for some contingency a three year timeframe for the development is considered realistic.

The key project aims are fundamentally related to the Bridgend Town Centre Regeneration programme which aims to ensure that Bridgend Town Centre achieves an economically viable mass as a sub-regional commercial centre within South Wales by creating a high quality Town Centre which is a first choice destination for shoppers, investors, visitors and tourists and which provides a safe, secure and vibrant economic, social and physical environment to increase market confidence and encourage new and existing business development and investment.

A number of further project aims might be defined within this context:

To provide social, cultural, community and social inclusion opportunities which will help create a sense of identity and belonging to and within the County Borough;

To develop and enhance existing successful community learning networks across the County Borough;

To develop the role of the Library as underpinning education, enhancing public access to knowledge and information, promoting social inclusion, and modernising the delivery of public services;

To sustain existing business confidence including the provision of shared accommodation for business support groups;

To attract new private investment in businesses and the built environment through a diverse range of quality developments;

To successfully integrate new retail developments in the immediate vicinity of the site into the existing Town Centre retail fabric, and derive the benefits from an enhanced Town Centre retail offer;

To redefine the image of the Town Centre in its role as a retail and commercial sub-regional centre;

To generate new employment opportunities and safeguard existing employment within the Town Centre;

To increase footfall in the Town Centre by shoppers, visitors and tourists;

To increase customer expenditure in the Town Centre and to reduce retail expenditure leakage to other centres;

To improve Town Centre accessibility both within and to the Town Centre;

To improve the Town Centre physical environment through enhancement of the public realm and built environment through the development of a landmark building demonstrating excellence in sustainability standards;

To address issues of community safety through implementation of quality urban design solutions.

Six local authorities constitute the South East Wales Valleys area, namely: Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil, RCT and Torfaen. Together with WAG's DE&T they have established a partnership that has been meeting regularly to collaborate in setting priorities for action through the Convergence funding programme Priority 5.1.

Their aim has been to agree an achievable programme for delivery across all 6 LA areas. This programme, branded the Valleys Renaissance, seeks to achieve dramatic physical and economic changes to 16 key centres across the Valleys of South East Wales, to provide the foundations for sustainable regeneration throughout the area. This project has been identified as a key proposal within this programme. The strategic location of these centres will maximise development opportunities while ensuring that the most deprived parts of the Convergence area in South East Wales will benefit.

Email Address: jonathan.hughes@bridgend.gov.uk

Geographical Area of Operation: Bridgend Town Centre & Surrounding Communities

Organisation Core Business: Local Authority

Who will be involved in delivering the project: Bridgend County Borough Council; Local Business Community; Local Community Groups

Who will be the end beneficiaries: It is important to recognise the geographical distribution of the benefits and outcomes of the project at a number of levels, but which are underpinned by the specific location of the project within Bridgend Town Centre and the implementation of current complementary integrated transport projects within the Town Centre: Town Centre - Bridgend Town Centre itself and the regeneration thereof noted by: Improving the Town Centre Environment - The development of a statement public building design makes a substantive contribution to the built environment and streetscape of Brackla Street. It will complement the comprehensive public realm improvements promoted by BCBC, and completed in early 2008, and the realisation of retail development proposals in this area of the town. Redefining the Image of the Town Centre - Incidental to improving the physical environment of the town, the creation of enhanced library facilities and ancillary activities gives further social and cultural expression to the Town Centre and its regeneration. By broadening the range of attractions it is anticipated that the 'appeal' and attractiveness of the town will be enhanced and that this will contribute to the redefinition of the image of the Town Centre, thereby attracting a wider range of potential users and visitors. Attracting New Private Sector Investment - Bringing the project to fruition is demonstrative of further creation of the necessary conditions needed to attract private sector investment in the town. A quality environment, allied to the provision and a range of attractions and improved accessibility, form key determinants in making Bridgend Town a viable proposition for investment. Thereby ensuring that barriers to further physical, economic and social regeneration are removed and that the Town Centre achieves its viable critical mass as a sub-regional centre in South Wales. This project meets these tests and so makes a positive contribution to the delivery of the aims of the Town Centre regeneration programme. Improving Accessibility - The creation of a high quality town centre car park in such an attractive location will have a significant beneficial effect on accessibility and address many of the concerns raised during consultations. This facility will also provide opportunities to improve disability access to the town and the library. Local Communities - the Town Centre has a key function as a sub-regional and community hub to serve the needs and requirements of the hinterland communities and beyond. Indeed, there is a fundamental symbiotic relationship between the socio-economic welfare and regeneration of the Town Centre and the immediate communities and settlements. As such, this project and its outcomes will contribute to the Town Centre re-establishing a role as a social and economic focus for their surrounding local communities and it will also provide an attractive environment for residents, visitors and business to thrive in and enjoy. County Borough - Bridgend Town Centre occupies a specific sub-regional location within the South Wales retail and settlement hierarchy in social and economic terms. Moreover, the Town Centre is in many instances a 'shop window' for the County Borough. An attractive, sustainable business and streetscene environment in the Town Centre will, therefore, yield benefit across the County Borough, particularly in the creation of social and economic opportunities for the deprived communities concentrated within the north of the County Borough. More widely, in this context, the project is a key component of a strategic programme of regeneration measures that will seek to attract visitors and tourists from outside the County Borough to make use of the Town Centre facilities or to invest in new business activities.

Spatial area/s to be covered by the project: The immediate project area is located at a Town Centre site, though clearly the scope of the project is such as to provide suitable facilities for the wider County Borough of Bridgend.

What might the outputs(activity measures Development of a Town Centre site (0.5ha); development of Town Library and additional community facilities; development of a 450-space Town Centre Car Park.

What might be the results of the project: Increased Town Centre footfall; safeguarding Town Centre jobs; leverage of Town Centre private sector investment; indirect job creation

What would its impact be The impacts of a new town library and multi-storey car park include .providing a modern library that meets the Welsh Public Library standards would facilitate and enhance learning opportunities through the provision of a wide range of lifelong learning activities;. research has shown that new public libraries in Croydon, Durham and Norwich generated increased footfall in their localities of 47%, 54% and 58% respectively. At the local level, the refurbishment of Pyle library has seen a 37% increase in footfall; . a well-designed public facility on this site would expand the town centre by providing an attractant centrally located between the primary retail core and new retail development at Cheapside; . the site is less than 400mtrs from the bus and rail interchanges, a distance which is less than the most commonly used maximum threshold used to define 'good' public transport accessibility; . the site occupies an elevated and prominent position relative to the town centre core and could provide the opportunity for a sensitively designed 'statement' building for the town; .the site also offers great potential for the enhancement of the streetscape and effectiveness and use of the existing pedestrian linkage/town centre circulation routes; . improve the social and cultural image of the town.

Roughly what might be the scale of the project: In addition to being a key component of the Valleys Renaissance programme, the project has a geographical focus within Bridgend Town Centre. However, the nature of the library and car parking facilities to be provided are essential components of both lifelong learning and accessibility strategies of the County Borough thereby ensuring that the wider population of the County Borough derives benefit from the project.

Estimated Cost: Total Project Cost £9.5 million (of which £1 million is defined as eligible works)

Where might the match funding come from: Bridgend County Borough Council; WAG Budgets incl. TMF

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