Back in 2010, the previous "One Wales" Welsh Government announced a £7.7million package of European, Lottery and Welsh Government match-funding to improve the physical environment of a half-dozen streets in Bridgend town centre. This has coincided with other developments, like the redevelopment of Bridgend Recreation Centre and Elder Yard.
I think it's safe to say that the regeneration works are around the "halfway point" now, and are expected to be completed by 2015. Ever eager to provide a "multimedia experience" to the dozen of you who read this, I decided to provide an update of the works myself.
Court Road
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Status : Completed
The old pavements have been replaced with hard-wearing stone. As this street is home to many legal and financial service firms, lay-bys for workers have been provided that compliment the new pavements. New modern-looking lamp posts and street furniture have been provided too, as well as a few planters. I think it compliments the existing architecture – like the Old Post Office - relatively well.
Cheapside
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One of the first projects to be completed. The re-branded Bridgend Shopping Centre has been (modestly) updated, and I understand there's planning permission for an apartment development and expansion of the centre at the "ASDA side", where this photo was taken. Whether any of that will actually get built or not in the current economic climate remains to be seen.
The works include a lay-by and modern bus shelters opposite the police station, as well as a "square" on the infilled subway between the shopping centre and the multi-story car parks. Clearly, when the police station moves to Bridgend Industrial Estate it should be a prime development site to compliment all these works. Could we finally see the long-desired department store there?
Merthyr Mawr Road North
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Status : Completed, Cae Court ongoing
There's a noticeable improvement here. Footpaths have been widened on this rather cramped road, that's always been rather busy due to Nolton Church, Riversdale Surgery as well as being a main walking route to Brynteg Comprehensive. Black, Victorian/Edwardian style lamp posts have been put in, and lay-bys have been provided to prevent snarl ups that used to be commonplace.
The refurbishment of Cae Court – which is being turned into a residential home for the elderly – is still ongoing, but nearing completion. Considering the building - a former registry office and GPs surgery - was rather neglected, the contractors and developers have done a good job of giving it a new lease of life, even if it doesn't quite fit in with the modern extension of Riversdale Surgery next door.
Derwen Road
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Status : Under construction, roughly 50% completed
Derwen Road has always been rather windswept, as every building seems to have its back to it, with the exception of Tabernacl Penybont. The major businesses are Cody's and Bowlers (or whatever it's calling itself this month). The developers of Cae Court – HD Ltd - are working on an office/cafe development at the former PH pub. Obviously though, there are big gaps along the road - currently being used as private car parks - that could be developed if the street's improved.
The Rhiw
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Status : Under construction
Works started on The Rhiw last week, and the road will be closed to traffic for up to 9 months. The Rhiw Car Park is still accessible via Angel Street. I'm not entirely sure what's planned here to be honest, but I think the one-way system is being reversed (to go downhill), making it easier to get to the car park from Brackla Street and Nolton Street.
Nolton Street
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Status : Construction imminent
It's one of the the major projects, though work hasn't started yet. Nolton Street is due to become one-way (in the opposite direction to which the photo was taken) from Cowbridge Road to the town centre. Like other parts of town, the footpaths will be widened and lay-bys/loading bays provided.
You can probably tell that this is one of the grungier parts of the town centre – not exactly a good first impression - and it's hoped the improvements will make the stores along here more attractive. Though in fairness, there are quite a few independent stores and businesses along here already with very few gaps. It also has a lot of footfall, as it's another route to and from Brynteg Comprehensive.
Elder Yard
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Status : Building refurbishments ongoing, no street works yet
Another HD Limited development. It's going to become an "evening entertainment quarter", with the former Elder Yard cottages (Grade II Listed) developed as a restaurant, alongside a courtyard with smaller retail units dotted around it. The former Victoria Inn is due to become a Filco Foods store I believe, with the heritage features kept intact.
3 Cross Street has been completed it seems, and there's a bridal ware business advertised on the ground floor.
It doesn't look like much now – there's a lot of work to be done - but if it's pulled off as the developers want it to be it could be quite impressive.
Bridgend Recreation Centre
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I could see people using gym equipment through the windows, so I think it's fully open or close to being so. The only thing left of the first phase, it seems, is an extension to the car park. The second phase will include a spa and retail unit in the current main entrance building. It looks a little blander than the artist's impressions, but I suppose blue and white are Bridgend colours. It's definitely an improvement though, fair play.
Bridgend Transport Interchange
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The transport interchange will eventually run from where the steel fence is next to the ticket office through to Brackla Street. It'll be accompanied by improvements to the station forecourt.
The idea – as far as I know - is that buses will be able to call directly at the railway station then travel up/down Station Hill, improving integrated transport (I'll be coming back to that soon). It'll also mean people walking by foot from Brackla, for example, won't have to walk all the way through town to the entrance (since Arriva Trains Wales closed the Ogmore Terrace access to prevent fare-dodging).
The project was postponed last year due to land disputes between the various parties, including BT, Network Rail and Bridgend Council. I think Network Rail claimed they'll need the land for electrification works. It's been suggested the interchange could be delayed into the 2020s, which is absolutely ridiculous, but not the council's fault. It's a shame, as I think it would be a major improvement and a big "missing link".
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