Bridgend Town Centre
Introduction to the Programme
The key theme of the regeneration programme at the outset in 1996 was to create the necessary and vital conditions to ensure a sustainable future for Bridgend Town Centre. During the last ten years, the programme has been one of enhancement and improvement of the streetscene, retention of the core retail and commercial functions of the Town Centre, and the development of the Town Centre both physically and in terms of the diversity of uses and activities offered.
Aims of the Programme
The aims of the Town Centre regeneration programme relate to the vitality, viability and health of Bridgend Town Centre through various projects to improve Town Centre attractions, accessibility and amenity:
|
Enhancing the town environment |
|
|
Improving accessibility to the town |
|
|
Attracting a diverse range of quality investment |
|
|
Support the development of a balanced economy |
|
|
Encouraging street entertainment and town centre activity |
|
|
Supporting customer friendly services and initiatives |
Next steps
Contact information
For more information please contact Jonathan Hughes in the Physical Regeneration Team:
Telephone: 01656 815206
E-mail: hughejd@bridgend.gov.uk
Correspondence: Physical Regeneration Team, BCBC, Innovation Centre, SciencePark, Bridgend. CF31 3NA.
| Enhancing the town environment | |
|
Over £10 million has been invested in Bridgend Town Centre which has resulted in major improvements to the Town Centre environment including: |
|
| Queen Street and Market street enhancements | |
|
Enhancement works are currently underway in Queen Street and are scheduled for completion in July 2006. The Council has received funding to undertake improvements to the streetscene in Market Street during 2006 and 2007. |
|
| Riverside Walkway | |
|
The River Ogmore forms an important historic reference to the origins of Bridgend and its subsequent growth and development as a key settlement within South Wales. |
|
| Improving Accessibility to Bridgend Town Centre | |
|
Bridgend Bus Station The new Bridgend Bus Station was opened in November 2004. This major development and investment project was supported by Transport Grant from the Welsh Assembly Government and it includes an interchange link from the Bus Station to Bridgend Railway Station. |
|
| Attracting a diverse range of quality development | |
|
A series of new independent and national retailers have opened outlets within Bridgend Town Centre. Other retailers and developers are progressing proposals including a new ASDA store within the Town Centre which is scheduled to open in 2008 and a revamp of the Brackla Street Shopping Centre. |
|
| Support the development of a balanced town centre economy | |
|
Opportunities to convert vacant space above retail premises into living spaces are being pursued as part of the plan to develop a 24-hour town centre. The expansion of the range of town centre leisure facilities such as cafes and restaurants that people both young and old can enjoy is also important |
|
| Encourage street entertainment and town centre activity | |
|
The role of events is recognised as being an important driver of Town Centre regeneration in Bridgend through the introduction of colour, interest and vitality to the streetscene; increased numbers of visitors at the events and existing retail facilities; Town Centre image and place marketing of Bridgend as a place to live, work or invest; and social benefits through the sense of pride in an area and community and volunteer participation in the staging of events. |
|
| Supporting customer friendly services and initiatives | |
|
Due to the outstanding success of the Shopmobility scheme since its launch two years ago, the service - which seeks to make the town centre more accessible to older residents and people with disabilities - has expanded. |
|