The latest phase of Pontypridd’s impressive regeneration project has been caught on film with the most recent episode of a documentary capturing the massive changes to the town now online.

Working in conjunction with production company media4schools, students at Pontypridd High School have completed the fourth installment of the documentary which can now be seen online at the popular website www.loveponty.com.

The four award-winning film students focus on different aspects of the town centre regeneration with each episode, capturing the transformation of the street scene in the process.

The latest episode includes the development of the new Sainsbury’s store and the traffic management improvements made to Berw Road.

It also features interviews with the owner of the Stern menswear store which relocated to Taff Street thanks to funding support through the Townscape Enhancement Programme, and with other prominent town centre stakeholders discussing the changing face of the town.

Thanks to the expertise of media4schools, an education-based organisation that offers people of all ages and from all backgrounds the opportunity to learn about digital media, the young people are developing excellent new skills in their new roles.

Working closely with Costain, who are the Council’s streetscape contractor for the town centre regeneration project, media4schools are producing a series of documentaries highlighting the transformation of Pontypridd.

This includes the enhancements of buildings, the total refurbishment of the streetscape, highway improvements, private sector led developments, and events and initiatives that improve the vibrancy of the town. Together these improvements are ultimately raising the profile of Pontypridd and improving its economic sustainability.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Safer Communities Cllr Paul Cannon said: “Pontypridd’s Regeneration Scheme allows so many varied opportunities to individuals in developing their skills and career potential. The documentary film-making by media4schools is typical of this as it encourages young people to improve their opportunities for better career choices in the future.

“Our work to attract the maximum amount of external funding into the county borough through projects such as the regeneration of Pontypridd becomes particularly important in the coming years, as the impact of the UK Government’s spending cuts on our own budget continues to hit.”

The £10.5M Pontypridd Town Centre Regeneration project is taking place following the Council securing financial support from the Welsh Government through the European Regional Development Fund and Targeted Match Funding, alongside Council and private sector contributions.

For further details and to view the fourth episode of the documentary, visit www.loveponty.com