Site clearance work in Robertstown as part of modern units scheme
The Council will undertake a week-long project to clear a strategic site in Robertstown, having previously secured European funding to develop new modern business accommodation for the area.
During 2018, the Council secured £2.58m from the European Regional Development Fund, through Welsh Government, towards a total £3.93m investment package. The modern units will be built on land off Wellington Street, which has been unused and overgrown for many years.
The area is a key employment site identified within the Local Development Plan – and the project will deliver local jobs and sustainable economic growth.
Site clearance will take place over a week from Monday, January 20 – and work will include site setup, tree cutting and chipping, and vegetation removal. The work is due for completion by January 26. Wellington Street will remain open during the project, and no traffic management is expected. Pedestrian access on Wellington Street will be maintained throughout the work.
Following site clearance, the next stage of this scheme is for the Council to complete a process to appoint a contractor for the main construction phase. This phase of work is expected to commence on site during summer 2020.
Councillor Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Housing, said: “I’m pleased the first work on site as part of this important scheme in Robertstown will start shortly, to enable the main construction phase. This site has lay derelict for many years, and is being developed due to its potential to create jobs and prosperity.
“The Council was successful in its bid for significant European funding to help deliver this scheme – providing £2.58m funding which, in addition to a Council contribution through #RCTinvest, brings the total investment to almost £4m. In October 2019, the Council was successful in securing £2.58m EU funding for a similar scheme on the former colliery site in Coed Ely. Construction work started, in partnership with Welsh Government, during November 2019.
“The scheme in Robertstown has long been an aspiration, and will bring much-needed modern business accommodation to this part of the Cynon Valley. I’m looking forward to seeing this scheme progress further in the coming months, towards the main construction phase starting later this year.”
