BUSINESSES VOTE OVERWHELMINGLY FOR BID

Your Pontypridd • Feb 26, 2016

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On the 26th February a substantial number of businesses voted YES to establishing a Business Improvement District (BID) for Pontypridd town centre. Of those voting 78% were in favour. The outcome will realise just under £400,000 of ring fenced investment in to the town centre over the next five years.

The BID, when it goes live in April, will be the ninth in Wales and join more than 200 others that have been established across the UK. The ballot turnout and the size of the majority in Pontypridd was well in advance of the national averages and the turnout the highest so far of a BID ballot in Wales.

BID Steering Group Chairman Robert Thomas commented “I am delighted with the outcome of the BID ballot and the overall result reflects the level of faith and commitment that exists in Pontypridd. This is a fantastic opportunity and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for our town centre.”

BID Steering Group Vice- Chair and owner of Princes Café Joe Gambarini added “the BID is a step in the right direction and Your Pontypridd will become the driving force and lobbying voice for the town centre. We now have the ability to shape and influence the development of the town.”

Independent retailer, Marco Orsi has also been a committed member to the steering group and taken a leading role in the campaign. He said “we have seen some hard times in Pontypridd as of recent and the BID has been a long time coming. But now we have achieved this businesses can work together to improve the town, which can only be good for our business.”

Cllr Robert Bevan, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Planning said: “This is positive news for Pontypridd which will complement the Council’s continued support of Pontypridd Town Centre. Becoming a BID gives businesses ownership of the town’s development and priorities and with the Council’s continued support, we look forward to seeing the positive impact of this development on the town centre and the local economy. I would like to also take this opportunity to thank those businesses who have been instrumental in driving the BID proposal forward.”

The Town Council have offered the BID significant backing going forward and voted in favour on their premises in the BID area during the ballot. Mayor of Pontypridd Town Council, Jayne Brencher said “Pontypridd now has the opportunity to relaunch itself as a significant commercial centre and family friendly destination. Now businesses have an independent voice to drive this change forward. The Town Council look forward to working with Your Pontypridd going forward.”

Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister, Lesley Griffiths, who has responsibility for regeneration in Wales, said: “Congratulations to the local business people who have worked together on their successful BID.

“Pontypridd is a popular town with many great businesses and services. However, changing lifestyles, more competition, and internet shopping mean our towns and communities must do all they can to remain interesting and vibrant places to visit.

“This is why I am pleased to have provided support for the creation of this BID. Through pooling resources and talent, Pontypridd can maximise its assets – such as proximity to the University of South Wales – increase visitor numbers, and boost investment.”


If you are a business in Pontypridd and would like to get involved or find out more information, please get in touch on 07803503973 or e-mail info@yourpontypridd.co.uk. To keep up to date on the developments of the Your Pontypridd BID, follow on Facebook at Your Pontypridd or Twitter @YourPontypridd.

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