Superstore set for centre of Bargoed revamp

Apr 10 2008 by Sian Watts, Rhymney Valley Express

A NATIONAL supermarket chain has been named as one of the key elements of the revamp of a Rhymney Valley town.

Asda is due to open in Bargoed as the centrepoint of the retail plateau, a major section of the town’s regeneration scheme.

ASM Properties has been announced as the “preferred developer” to take forward the £30m complex in the town centre.

The proposals include restaurants and a dozen shops to bring national retailers to Bargoed.

Council chief executive Stuart Rosser said: “This scheme is of strategic importance for the regeneration of the whole of the Upper Rhymney Valley, and we are delighted to announce this major step forward.

“Bargoed is experiencing an exciting transformation at the moment and it will soon enjoy the many benefits of these major investment proposals.”

Leighton Andrews, the Assembly government’s deputy minister for regeneration, said the proposed development would transform the town.

He said: “The impact of this imaginative and innovative proposal will have far-reaching benefits for the entire Rhymney Valley and will create a modern, dynamic and sustainable retail and leisure quarter that will revitalise and modernise the town centre and attract new investment to the area.

“The regeneration of Bargoed is a key project in the Heads of the Valleys initiative, which is funding improvements in major towns throughout the region, providing new facilities and improving the quality of life for our communities. This project will complement that work.”

Environmental features are a key part of the development and it is anticipated that the scheme will be one of the first of its kind in the UK to achieve an “excellence” rating for sustainability.

Another aspect of the regeneration is the Angel Way road scheme, which is well under way.

This single-carriageway road will improve the network between the communities of Bargoed, Aberbargoed, Gilfach and Pengam, and will also provide direct access into the new shopping development.