Protecting and Preserving Aberdare
Significant investment could be secured to preserve and protect Aberdare’s historic and valuable town centre.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has this week pledged to begin preparatory work that could lead to funds being attracted to boost the town, one of the county’s finest Conservation Areas.
Dilapidated buildings would be restored, conserved and even converted in order to boost the community, attract further investment and regeneration, and to improve the wider area, economically and socially.
The Heritage Lottery Fund’s Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) offers up to £2million in match funding to conserve and regenerate historic town centres and to address problems in areas of social and economic need.
A successful bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund would enable the structural and external repair of historic buildings, improvements to public areas through the restoration of historic features and replacement of traditional materials in the conservation area.
It would also facilitate initiatives to encourage community involvement, such as awareness-raising of heritage and training in conservation skills and techniques.
“This is an opportunity to further contribute towards town centre regeneration and the Cabinet was delighted to approve and support the initial stages of what could be an exciting scheme for Aberdare,” said Cllr Robert Bevan, Cabinet member with lead responsibility for Economic Development and Skills.
“To apply for such funding would enable us to restore, regenerate and revitalise a town centre which is not only historically valuable, but also important for the future of this county borough as well.”
Central Aberdare is one of the best examples of a town centre Conservation Area in Rhondda Cynon Taf, with 33 listed buildings and historic features.
It has been identified as an area of special architectural and historic interest, with a Victorian character and appearance that should be preserved and enhanced.
However, Aberdare is also one of the County’s most deprived town centres, particularly in respect to income, level of employment, health, and the physical environment.
The THI work would also complement and support the ongoing Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s “Improving Where We Live” drive to enhance the economic, physical and social health of the county.
Following the commitment by the Cabinet on November 27th the Council has appointed conservation specialists James Brotherhood & Associates to undertake development work. This will establish viability of a scheme, with a view to authorising a bid for Lottery cash by May next year.
How do you rate this information / service?
Content authorised by: Marketing & Communications Team
Last revised on: 20/12/2006