Council desperate for cash to save Caerphilly town centre plans

Caerphilly County Borough Council is making a last ditch attempt to get the go ahead for its ambitious plans for the redevelopment of Caerphilly town centre.

Councillor Ron Davies, cabinet member for regeneration said: "We are making one final attempt to obtain funding to kick start the redevelopment as we recognise that the current position is totally unacceptable. Something needs to be done to address the unsightly derelict buildings in the town centre and we want to assure local traders and residents that we are working hard to resolve this issue as a matter of urgency."

The authority has applied for funding through the Welsh Assembly Government's Strategic Capital Investment Fund and if the bid is successful then all the properties required for the scheme could be acquired as part of a public-private joint venture.

Cllr Davies said if the bid failed the council would withdraw from the scheme and leave it to property owners to revamp their own buildings.

The plans focus on a block of properties at the top of the town centre in the southern end of Caerphilly. The private sector-led scheme would involve the demolition of around 40 buildings to create a modern shopping centre with its own parking and rear servicing.

Planning permission was granted in 2006 for a scheme comprising a large number of shops and other commercial premises, 130 residential apartments and a new town library.

"We are committed to regenerating our town centres and much has been achieved over recent years. In these uncertain economic times the council will continue to develop and update our town centre action plans so that whenever opportunities arise for public or private sector investment, they can be directed towards implementing those plans to maximise their regeneration impact," Cllr Davies said.