Redevelopment of Former Pontypridd Bingo Hall Site Opens to Public

The redevelopment of the former Pontyprid Bingo Hall site is now open to the public and the new bus bays at Sardis Road have been brought into use.
Since the construction phase started in February, 2024, work has been ongoing by the current contractors to redevelop the former bingo hall and Angharad’s Nightclub site into a “vibrant and quality space” to act as a clear arrival point for visitors at the southern end of the town centre. The area has been fitted with clear signs, visitor information, seating areas, and spaces of greenery and planting.
All traffic management on Sardis Road has now been removed.
The bus bays are positioned on the site’s boundary with the A4054 Sardis Road, opposite Pontypridd Railway Station. The council said the development had enhanced this area of the town centre and supported the continued regeneration of Pontypridd, which it said was bucking the national trend in terms of increasing footfall and was well below the national trend for empty shops.
At first the bus bays are being used exclusively for buses operating the park and ride service for the National Eisteddfod of Wales between August 3-10.
Some finishing works will be completed at a future date, while a permanent kiosk serving food and drinks will also open at the site in the future.
People have been sharing their thoughts on the redevelopment of the area on social media.
Adrian Morton said: “I don’t think people realise the terrible state of the bingo hall. It had to be knocked down. Now we have a nice open space and an exciting Eisteddfod to enjoy in Ponty.”
Val Williams said: “Gosh that looks nice! Well done all those workers, and thanks!
She added: “Over the last half century I’ve seen Ponty in all its good and not so good stages. But do you know, I am so proud of this little town and the way it’s going, there’s a real sense of optimism and encouragement that transcends the negativity, and the naysayers.”
Pam McKeown said: “Well done to everyone concerned in making this part of Ponty look amazing. Great job done.”
Morgan Edwards said: “I love this! So much better than the pile of rubble that was there previously!”
Andrea Lewis said: “Well done to everyone involved in the redevelopment. Let’s hope all locals and visitors look after this space and hopefully enjoy the creation.”
Maad Khalil said: “Looks really good, better that huge bingo hall monstrosity of a building!”
Emma Jones said: “Looking really nice, opens up the top end of town that used to be so dark and closed in. Looking forward to stroll into town tomorrow to see it in person and experience the Eisteddfod atmosphere.”
Heather Selby said: “Looks neat fair play” and Zoe Harris said: “Hurray, hopefully no more single lane. Been an absolute nightmare with traffic.”
But Natalie Sarah said: “Amazing what you can get done when all eyes are on your town, yet nothing ever gets done on time any other times.”
Dai Bog commented: “So this is progress knocking a former Cinema /bingo hall down a pub and a few shops one of which was a lovely stationary and art shop and replace it with a couple of bus stops. Well done all.”
Christopher Cule said:”It’s funny how the Muni Arts Centre and this area is open from this weekend. You’d think there was something happening. Pontypridd must be the only town in the local authority. They are pushing for people to use public transport for the next week…..that is going to be very interesting when TfW can’t operate to time for one day at the moment.”
Jacqueline Walters said: “Hope all the money spent was worth it not a one week wonder. It’s about time money was spent up the valleys where there’s nothing but derelict buildings and run down shops.”
Gemma Louise Davis commented: “Let’s hope our other towns get the same treatment.”
Michelle Tuck added: “All that chaos for a bus stop n steps.”
Councillor Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s cabinet member for development and prosperity, said: “It’s excellent news that this very prominent site in the heart of Pontypridd has been completed in time for the start of the National Eisteddfod on August 3.
“It has been transformed from the derelict buildings that stood there, opening it up to create an inviting and welcoming gateway at the southern end of the town, while taking advantage of the natural light that was exposed following demolition works.
“The proposal to create a modern public realm was one of the best-supported ideas when the council consulted residents on how best to redevelop this site.
“It will also complement the future development plans for the former Marks and Spencer site into a ‘riverside plaza’ – with both forming an important part of the Southern Gateway vision within our Pontypridd Placemaking Plan.
“The bus bays element will be utilised by the dedicated park and ride service for the Eisteddfod, starting early on Saturday morning. The new bays are well positioned to serve Pontypridd Railway Station and promote integrated public transport journeys – and will complement an increase in hourly rail services arriving and departing the town, that will be delivered by the South Wales Metro.”
The public realm is being delivered via the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme and the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, while the bus bays received funding from the Regional Transport Fund. ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

By BBC LDRS ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​