Blaenavon bridge repairs


Torfaen council has safeguarded the historically important Aaron Brute’s bridge in Blaenavon.


Design work has been undertaken Capita Symonds to devise the most appropriate method of undertaking the delicate operation of removing the iron bridge from its walls – a process made more complicated by the fact a modern pedestrian bridge was installed on top of it during the early 1980s.


Andy Hallum, lead designer from Capita Symonds, said: “This work has been extremely difficult to plan due to the constrained nature of the site next to the Afon Llwyd, poor condition of the existing stone abutments and the low pressure gas main that was located next to the bridge that had to be moved before works could commence. However, it is extremely rewarding to see this historic bridge is ready to be conserved.”


The bridge will be stored at Blaenavon Ironworks where it will be surveyed and conservation work undertaken to restore it. The abutment walls will be re-built and the bridge replaced.


It is anticipated that the public will be able to walk over the bridge once it is reinstalled and that it will become an important attraction for visitors to Blaenavon.


The bridge dates from 1820 - 1845 and is constructed from


three cast iron arches joined by iron plates on top and tie bars between the arches.


It is considered to be one of the earliest examples of this type of bridge still surviving in south Wales and represents a significant survival of the industrial infrastructure of the period.


Dr Amelia Pannet, from Archaeology Wales Ltd, undertook


detailed research before work commenced. She said: “The project has helped us improve our understanding of the purpose and date of the bridge. This is a very early example of a cast iron bridge in south Wales and it’s great that it has been saved for future generations to enjoy’.”


Funding was secured from Cadw and from the Valleys Regional Park convergence programme.


Grant to help restore hotel to former glory


A grant of more than £265,000 has been awarded to bring a significant building in Pontypool town centre back to its former glory. The White Hart Hotel in George Street has been


redundant for a number of years, but it will be fully restored over the next few months as part of the THI project in Pontypool town centre.


The grant for £265,950 has been awarded to the owner of the property, Sean O’Connor.


Mr O’Connor, from New Inn, is also behind the successful refurbishment of the Market Tavern in Blaenavon.


He is also putting in £250,000 into the White Hart Hotel, which he will transform into an Italian restaurant, bar and four bedroom B&B.


The project will also see four full-time and two part-time jobs created.


“It really is a fantastic building and we have big


plans for the place,” Mr O’Connor said. “It’s just what Pontypool town centre needs. I


really want to keep all the architectural features, but one big change we will be working on is improving disabled access to the building.”


The restoration project is expected to take 16


weeks and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Welsh Government’s Targeted Match Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund, Cadw, Pontypool Regeneration Partnership and Torfaen council.


Work progressing well on Morrisons site Works begin in Pontypool 1pm – 3pm.


Work on a multi-million pound development that will transform the centre of Cwmbran and create more than 1,000 jobs is progressing well.


The single biggest


regeneration project of its kind in the town’s history is currently seeing the 32-acre Arvin Meritor site being substantially redeveloped to include a 37,000 sq ft Morrisons store with a petrol station and a 497-space car park.


The development will create 1,170 jobs and also include offices, a 60-bedroom hotel with the option of a pub or restaurant, and a 225-space car park. Torfaen council has been working with the applicant on the proposals, which form a key part of its plans for the future expansion and development of the town, as set out in its Local Development Plan.


The public realm works to improve Pontypool town centre, which are part of a wider £13million project, are under way.


There has been plenty of activity with works commencing on the new steps by Pound Stretcher in George Street and a good proportion of paving being laid in Commercial Street.


As expected with public


The council successfully negotiated free car parking at the Morrisons site, while the development will be well served by transport links within the town centre and the nearby railway station.


The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob Wellington, who visited the site to check on progress, said: “I am delighted to see the main frame of the building has been erected.


“This is a major milestone


in Cwmbran’s regeneration programme. Cwmbran already boasts a first-class shopping centre that rivals any town of its size and this will provide even greater choice for people.


“This development will


transform the leisure and retail opportunities in the heart of the town and I know the people of Cwmbran share my excitement and can’t wait for it to be completed.”


realm works, there have been a number of unforeseen issues which the contractor, Alun Griffiths, has addressed to ensure the works remain on track.


Torfaen council and Alun Griffiths are ensuring that local shoppers, traders and residents are being kept informed.


Regular bulletins are distributed to a network of businesses and drop-in sessions are held in Pontypool Indoor Market on Wednesdays at 10.30pm – 1pm and Fridays at


For jobs news, visit www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/JobsCareers


Both have proven a good opportunity for members of the public and local businesses to keep up-to-date on progress.


Alun Griffiths also supported


Pontypool Carnival by sponsoring a Pontypool traders marquee in Pontypool Park during the event.


Pontypool Public Realm works are part of a wider £13 million project which aims to regeneration Pontypool town centre and its surrounding areas.


As part of this, the new


Riverside walk and cycle route has opened, which will make it easier for people to reach the town centre to work and shop without the need to use the car or public transport.


The works are funded


by European Regional Development Fund, Pontypool Regeneration Partnership and Torfaen council.


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