New transport hub and road upgrade could be financed by UK Government ‘levelling up’ fund

RCT Council is planning to submit bids for Porth transport hub as its Rhondda project and the A4119 dualling as its transportation project. 

Rhondda Cynon Taf council is set to bid for UK Government levelling up fund money for the Porth transport hub and the dualling of the A4119 in Llantristant.

A report to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s cabinet on Thursday, June 17 includes proposed bids for the Rhondda, Cynon and Taf areas as well as one transportation bid.

The Rhondda bid will be for funding towards the new transport hub in Porth which will link up bus and rail services in the town.

It is a key element of the approved Porth Regeneration Strategy and its delivery will be vital to the success of the strategy, the report said.

“The transport hub is the largest project within the strategy’s programme and will serve as an anchor for comprehensive regeneration, development and investment across Porth town centre and the surrounding area.

“The transport network modernisation via the South Wales Metro development and an increase in trains, the development of the Porth Transport Hub is timed perfectly to coincide with most significant investment in the Welsh rail network development in decades, and provides a prime opportunity to capitalise upon the benefits,” the report added.

The total cost of the project is £6.6m with a bid to the Levelling Up Fund of £3.6m.

External funding of £3m has already been secured so there is no need for additional match funding.

Of the transport project opportunities, the report said plans to make the part of the A4119 between Llantrisant Business Park in Ynysmaerdy and Coed Ely roundabout into two lanes is the most advanced.

The report said the transformation and regeneration benefits include improving connectivity to Tonyrefail and surrounding areas, helping to unlock further development of the Coed Ely site and encouraging investment in the wider area and improving access to existing and new businesses at Llantrisant Business Park, the Royal Glamorgan Hospital and the wider areas.

It also said it will improve reliability and journey times especially for public transport, which will enhance the viability of local and regional bus services using the route and it will encourage more active travel and healthier lifestyles by improving opportunities for walking and cycling.

The total cost of the project is £19.4m with a bid to the Levelling Up Fund of £11.4m.

Existing RCT and external funding of £8m has already been secured so there is no need for extra match funding.

Source:- Wales Online