Gurnos Town Centre Regeneration
Client: Merthyr Tydfil Council
Project Overview
The shopping precinct at the centre of the Gurnos in Merthyr Tydfil was built in the 1960’s. The three storeys of flats above the shops have been vacant for eight years. The shops and surrounding area are run-down with barbed wire to keep the vacant flats secure.
The Gurnos is one of the most deprived areas in Wales. There is considerable community enthusiasm for improvement; the shopkeepers are keen to develop their businesses on the site; there is interest from the Local Health Board to provide improved access to services within its primary care development strategy.
Working with a local architect we produced a succinct report and presentation to the Council which recommended refurbishment rather than demolition and provided space for community and other services within the former flats.
CPC’s Role
CPC wrote the Feasibility Study using the same methodology as we would use for the NHS hospitals or the other public investments. We managed the team of advisors and worked to keep the client informed of development.
Client Benefits
CPC's team brought together design skills, public sector housing and consultation with our business case and report writing skills to identify suitable sources of funding. The robust approach taken in the preparation of the case was key in persuading representatives of the Council and the Welsh Assembly Government to support the bid.
The Welsh Assembly Government has awarded a £1.5m Physical Regeneration Fund (PRF) grant for the project which will cover the majority of the regeneration of the shops and flats.
