Image Source: Google Earth (taken December 2021)
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At this month’s full council meeting, Cllr. Alex Ulberini-Williams (Ind, Pencoed & Penprysg) asked a question about Bridgend Council’s vision for regeneration in Pencoed.
Cllr. Ulberini-Williams noted the “game-changing” regeneration projects underway in Porthcawl – such as the Grand Pavilion renovation – as well as major projects in Maesteg and Bridgend town centre.
However, regeneration plans for Pencoed weren’t “earth-shattering” and were “totally bereft” of any vision for the town. Small-scale schemes targeting business properties and start-ups were welcome, but “small fry”.
He went on to note that the most significant capital project in Pencoed – the proposed replacement of Penprysg Road bridge and closure of the level crossing – had been “well and truly kicked into the long grass” due to the failure to secure funding from the UK Government.
Were there any plans for regeneration projects on the same scale as other towns in the county during the current administration’s last year in office?
Cabinet Member: Pencoed "not a town"; Leader: bridge replacement “remains on the agenda”
Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, Cllr. Neelo Farr (Lab, Porthcawl East Central), noted that she understood the frustration.
However, she went on to say – causing a visible reaction from some councillors – that the county only had three towns (Bridgend, Porthcawl and Maesteg).
Council Leader, Cllr. John Spanswick (Lab, Brackla West Central), was quick to correct the mistake. He added there would be different priorities and projects for different towns based on their size (Pencoed being the smallest).
Cllr. Spanswick said that replacing the Penprysg Road bridge remains a key transport ambition for the council and is on Network Rail’s agenda. However, more preliminary work needs to be done, taking into account that electrification no longer needs wires to run under bridges.
The Corporate Director for Communities added that replacing the bridge and closing the level crossing would open up more opportunities for regeneration projects, such as the creation of a town square in Pencoed.
Additionally, some Section 106 funding due from a proposed housing development to the south of the college campus could be spent on projects in Pencoed town centre.
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