Work to upgrade one of Pontypool’s busiest town‑centre car parks is set to begin following a joint effort between Torfaen Council and local campaigners.
The Pontypool Community Taskforce, formed last summer to support the town’s regeneration, identified Riverside Car Park as a priority area for improvement.
The group brings together ten members, including residents, local businesses and council representatives, who have been working with officers to assess what needs to be done and to apply for a Welsh Government Tidy Towns grant.
Chairman Dyl Delaney said: “We have listened to our community and have recognised the need to refurbish the Riverside Car Park, as it’s one of the front doors welcoming visitors to our town.
“The Taskforce has received great support from the council, artREGEN, Torfaen Access Forum, Friends of Pontypool, Torfaen Litter Champions and a whole host of local businesses.
“The pivoting role of the taskforce is to collaborate with all voluntary groups and organisations for the mutual benefit it offers and especially towards supporting the community, businesses, schools and the environment.”
Alongside the refurbishment work, a separate project led by artREGEN Pontypool is transforming the interior of the car park with a new community mural.
Designed by artist Andy O’Rourke, the artwork depicts a dragon rising from the ashes of the town’s former steel and iron works. The project is funded through a community progression grant.
Andy and fellow artist Kate Verity have also worked with Gypsy Traveller pupils at West Monmouth School to create a series of panels that will be installed along the walkway between Osborne Road and the car park.
Trustee Jennie Simons, who also sits on the Taskforce, said: “artREGEN is delighted with the dragon mural which breathes life and colour into the entrance to Riverside car park. The outcome is that a space that had previously been dark and dreary is now a welcoming and striking area.
“We are also extremely pleased that the dragon has received so many complimentary comments from passers by. Not only from those using the car park but also from people coming specifically to look at the mural. The word has obviously got around. Even social media comments, which are often negative about Pontypool, have been very positive.”
Cllr Joanne Gauden, executive member for economy, skills and regeneration, said: “This is a great example of how we’re working more closely with communities to identify and work in partnership to deliver services that matter to them, in line with the Torfaen Deal.
“The council cannot solve all the issues facing our town centres but we can work with other people passionate about transforming them into thriving economies again.”
Anyone interested in joining the Pontypool Community Taskforce or finding out more can contact Dyl Delaney at [email protected].