Council gives update on 10-year masterplan
Bridgend County Borough Council has provided members of the Communities, Environment and Housing Committee with a progress report on its ongoing efforts to rejuvenate Bridgend town centre under the Bridgend Town Centre Masterplan.
The masterplan, finalised in 2021, sets out a ten-year strategy to create a more vibrant and sustainable town centre by combining housing, employment, education, culture, leisure and retail uses. Councillors heard how a number of projects have already taken shape or are approaching completion.
Major schemes and timelines
Among the developments highlighted were:
- Bridgend College: an all-new £60m campus at Cheapside, expected to open early next year;
- Wyndham House: a £1.7m redevelopment by Valleys To Coast, which will provide ground-floor space for shops and kiosks;
- Sunnyside Wellness Village: a £20m project nearing completion;
- Purchase of the 2.27 acre Rhiw Shopping Centre site by the council, allowing a fresh look at regeneration options for that area.
Officials also described improvements to the public realm, including upgraded planters, shrubs and trees at several locations, and new initiatives aimed at boosting the town’s evening economy and capitalising on its growing reputation for high-quality restaurants.
Transport, heritage and town centre living
The plan’s wider objectives include increasing the number of people living in the town centre and enhancing walking, cycling and public transport links. Work is continuing on options to redevelop Bridgend Railway Station, with proposals under consideration for a new station entrance and better connections into the town centre.
Council members were also told about a new heritage trail launched in partnership with Bridgend Library and Bridgend Town Council, intended to celebrate the town’s local identity and history.
Traffic trial and next steps
An experimental traffic regulation order has been in place since April for an 18-month period while town centre traffic surveys are carried out. The trial will help inform longer-term decisions about traffic management and pedestrian improvements.
Purchase of the Rhiw Shopping Centre site has given the authority greater flexibility to shape future schemes. Members were told that the council will continue to bring forward work on green infrastructure, public spaces and support for businesses as the masterplan progresses.
| Project | Value | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgend College campus (Cheapside) | £60m | Due to open early next year |
| Wyndham House redevelopment | £1.7m | Under redevelopment (ground-floor retail space) |
| Sunnyside Wellness Village | £20m | Nearing completion |
| Rhiw Shopping Centre site | 2.27 acres (purchased by council) | Under review for regeneration options |
For residents and businesses, the changes mean a mix of disruption and opportunity. The traffic trial could change how people travel through the town centre, while the new college campus and wellness village are likely to increase footfall and demand for local services.
Officers said further details on specific schemes and timings will be worked up as projects progress, and councillors will continue to be updated through committee reports.
