Transport for Wales signs terms of lease for Llys Cadwyn
The Council is delighted to announce that Transport for Wales has signed the terms of the lease to occupy one of the brand new Llys Cadwyn buildings – confirming that Pontypridd will become its new home later this year.
In March 2017, Transport for Wales first announced it would be based at the major development on the former Taff Vale site. The news was a big boost to Pontypridd, as the South Wales Metro operator committed to becoming a major part of the town, occupying one of the three Llys Cadwyn buildings.
The wider Llys Cadwyn development will bring a huge economic boost to Pontypridd, by introducing hundreds of jobs to the Town Centre. Contractor Willmott Dixon is making excellent progress in its construction – with the first building on course to be handed over to the Council in February 2020.
The Council has benefitted from a significant £10m investment from the European Regional Development Fund, through Welsh Government’s £110m Building for the Future programme, to help deliver Llys Cadwyn.
Transport for Wales will occupy 3 Llys Cadwyn (nearest Gas Road Car Park), 2 Llys Cadwyn (centre building) will include office floorspace and a food/drink unit, and 1 Llys Cadwyn (nearest Bridge Street) will house a 21st Century library, Council customer contact point and brand new leisure/fitness centre.
Transport for Wales has now agreed and signed the terms of the lease, which has confirmed that it will occupy 3 Llys Cadwyn. The building is on course for completion by Willmott Dixon later this year, with approximately 300 Transport for Wales staff moving into the building during autumn 2020. The formalities of the lease are now being progressed.
Councillor Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Housing, said: “It is fantastic news that Transport for Wales has now signed the terms of the lease to occupy 3 Llys Cadwyn later this year, almost three years since it first committed to the town. The news was, and still is, an excellent coup for Pontypridd – securing the home of the South Wales Metro operator right here in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“It is also fitting that Pontypridd is primed to take full advantage of the many regional opportunities to be brought by the Metro from 2023 – including better infrastructure and improved, more frequent rail services. Transport for Wales’ presence in the Town Centre will help deliver vastly increased footfall every day, having a positive impact on the existing businesses in the retail area – and attracting more traders to be a part of Pontypridd’s future.
“Llys Cadwyn continues to transform in front of our eyes, and there are a series of upcoming landmarks to look forward to throughout 2020 – including the handover and opening of all three buildings, and a new pedestrian footbridge linking the new development to Ynysangharad War Memorial Park. Llys Cadwyn is becoming a focal point of the town and something we can be proud of, and I’m delighted Transport for Wales has now officially become a big part of its future.”
James Price, chief executive of Transport for Wales, added: “I’m delighted that we have signed the lease on our new home in Pontypridd. We’re proud to support Rhondda Cynon Taf’s ambitious regeneration plans and inward investment activities.
“We want our new neighbours, the people of Pontypridd, to be proud that our headquarters are located here. We also want to create a working environment our employees are proud of and is also attractive to new employees, as part of our plans to create high-quality employment opportunities in Pontypridd.”
