New future for Woolworths building

The site of the former Woolworths store in Bargoed town centre is to be transformed into new office accommodation as part of an ambitious scheme to breathe new life into Bargoed.

"The demise of Woolworths left a big hole in many High Streets so it's very encouraging to see that a new use has been agreed for this site in Bargoed," said Cllr Ron Davies, CCBC cabinet member for regeneration.

"The scheme forms part of our plans to create a 'business quarter' in the town and the news comes at a time when a range of other exciting regeneration projects are all helping to transform Bargoed's future."

"Schemes such as the recently completed Angel Way road, along with the improved public transport facilities, are helping to position the town centre as an attractive proposition for anyone looking to set up a new business and this new office development will also bring new employment opportunities to the town" he added.

Terms have been agreed for the acquisition of the former Woolworths building for conversion into office space. The move will be 100% funded by the Welsh Assembly Government's Heads of the Valley Programme, but the ownership of the building will be vested in Caerphilly County Borough Council once the legal formalities have been concluded.

The creation of a 'business quarter' in the northern part of the town centre forms part of the strategy in the recently adopted Town Centre Action Plan for Bargoed.

A bid for convergence (EU) funding to carry out the conversion of the building is being made by officers of the council's urban renewal team.