The council has confirmed that Berw Road car park in Pontypridd will close permanently at the end of play on Thursday 30 July to allow demolition and preparatory works for a wider redevelopment of the former police station and surrounding land.
What residents need to know
All vehicles must be taken out of the car park before its usual daily closing time of 7pm on 30 July. Notices are being placed around the site and at key access points to alert users to the closure, with the car park remaining shut from Friday 31 July.
The closure follows an announcement by South Wales Police and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council about changes to policing facilities in Pontypridd, which included handing the former Berw Road police station building to the council and plans for a new town-centre base on Taff Street.
What the site could become
Council officers say detailed proposals for the site are still being developed. Options under consideration include:
- an improved public square or open space;
- a modern replacement car park;
- better walking and cycling routes and junction improvements at Bridge Street;
- opportunities for residential, commercial or cultural uses.
At this stage the council has not published final plans or a timetable for the full redevelopment; the closure of Berw Road will allow necessary site clearance and preparatory works to begin.
Alternatives for parking and travel
The authority says there is a range of other town-centre parking close by, offering more than 1,000 spaces combined, and that public transport links remain strong.
| Alternative car parks (around a five-minute walk) | Notes |
|---|---|
| Catherine Street | Town-centre parking |
| Gas Road (short stay) | Short-stay facilities |
| Millfield Road | Nearby long-stay options |
| Goods Yard | Close to town centre |
| Sardis Road | Within walking distance |
Motorists and visitors are being signposted to further parking information on the council’s website. The council also points to frequent bus services through Pontypridd, with the bus station and several stops across the town, including newly-created bays opposite Pontypridd railway station at the former bingo hall site.
Train services have been boosted in recent years under the South Wales Metro project, the council added, making rail a practical option for many journeys into the town.
Local businesses and commuters will want to note the closure date and plan journeys accordingly. The council will publish more detail about the redevelopment options and any further temporary traffic or pedestrian arrangements as plans progress.
Information on alternative parking and public transport in Pontypridd is available on the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council website.
