Issue - meetings

Councillors J.C. Morgan & M. Cross declared an interest in this matter, namely 6 The Circle, Tredegar.

Consideration was given to report of the Team Manager Regeneration Opportunities.

The Team Manager Regeneration Opportunities presented the report which provided an update on the Targeted Regeneration Investment (TRI) funding opportunity, and sought agreement of further local projects.  The Officer went through the report and highlighted points contained therein.

A Member expressed concern regarding the progress of the Llanhilleth Pithead Baths which continued to be an eyesore in the community.  He said many Councillors had made efforts in the past to have the building demolished, and expressed concern that other uses for the building were now being considered, which he felt would delay progress even further.

In response the Team Manager Regeneration Opportunities said Consultants had been commissioned to undertake a study to consider options for the building.  A structural assessment had also been undertaken, and the outcome of the Consultant’s study may be that removal of the building was the most feasible option.

The Chair reported that a meeting had been held with the Consultants, along with Ward Members and the Executive on the 5^th November, 2019.  He looked forward to receiving the outcome of the study, which would hopefully and provide an indication of residents’ aspirations for the building.

A brief discussion ensued when the Officer stated that the outcome of the study would direct the source of funding.  In response to a question raised, the Officer confirmed that the consultants had been asked to consider demolition costs.

In response to a question raised by a Member regarding the Truck Shop in Tredegar, the Corporate Director confirmed that agreement had been reached with CADW, and formal ‘sign off’ was awaited.  The Member asked that this be included in the action sheet for the next meeting.

The Team Manager Regeneration Opportunities confirmed that the future use of the Truck Shop site was included in the Tredegar Town Centre Masterplan. 

The Committee AGREED to recommend that the report be accepted and the Scrutiny Committee endorse the approach outlined in Section 2 of the report (Option 2), specifically:

Thematic - Property Enhancement Grants;

Capital Project Proposal – Boxworks; and

Development – Brynmawr/Nantyglo, Pithead Baths, Tredegar Town Masterplan and Ebbw Vale Masterplan