Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Area Masterplan

Approved November 2020 Index

Section 1: Appendix 1: Introduction A Foundation for Success - Objectives

Section 2: Appendix 2: The Study Area Well-being of Future Generations Section 3: The Context Appendix 3: Assessment of Site Specific Proposals Section 4: against well-being goals and the The Vision for the Heads of the CCBC Well-being objectives Valleys Regeneration Area

Section 5: Appendix 4: The Development Strategy Sectoral Analysis

Section 6: Appendix 5: The Masterplan Framework Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (2019) Section 7: Delivering and Implementing change

2 Section 1: Introduction

This Masterplan sets out the future The City Deal Investment Fund will also taking advantage of improved connectivity development and regeneration opportunities facilitate the delivery of the South East and the role of the Valleys Regional Park. proposed for the Heads of the Valleys. It seeks Wales Metro, which will make substantial The role of this Masterplan is therefore to facilitate significant change in order to improvements to connectivity by public to provide a comprehensive framework enhance the role of communities, enabling transport across the region. This investment for the future of the Heads of the Valleys them to diversify, allowing industries to rise will improve frequency of services to Regeneration Area. This Masterplan is flexible Rhymney Station from Cardiff, improving and demographics to alter for the better. and has the ability to adapt to changing north–south connectivity and the Masterplan economic and market conditions and meet There is an exciting opportunity to facilitate sets out how this opportunity can be the requirements and aspirations of both the significant change through the Cardiff Capital maximised. Region City Deal (CCRCD), which will provide private and public sector over this period The Valleys Taskforce also sets out an resources to unlock significant economic through regular review. It is recognised that ambitious programme for change, identifying growth in the region, delivering jobs and there are some projects that can be delivered actions and programmes designed to make within the short to medium term. However, in private sector investment. Whilst CCRCD seeks a positive change to the South Wales Valleys order to deliver long term regeneration goals, to relieve pressure on Cardiff as its regional through the ‘Our Valleys Our Future’ Delivery there is an aspiration to redevelop a number city it also seeks to promote growth in smaller Plan. Whilst the Delivery Plan sets out a of key sites within the Masterplan area. towns and industrial communities in order number of actions, most pertinent to this to rebalance social justice and prosperity. Masterplan is the focus on making more land The Masterplan has been prepared within This Masterplan seeks to provide a direction available in order to maximise economic the context of the adopted Caerphilly of travel to ensure a transition towards development opportunities, harnessing the County Borough Local Development Plan economic and social success. potential of the local foundational economy, (LDP), which sets out the Council’s land use 3 objectives for the County Borough, but it also l Supporting Business sets out longer term goals to ensure that the l Connecting People and Places momentum of change also extends well into l Supporting People; and the next decade. l Supporting Quality of Life. Many of the projects identified in the Masterplan are aligned to proposals The Heads of the Valleys Masterplan is the contained within the adopted LDP. This plan third area-specific strategy, in a series of five, will need to be reviewed to provide the which will identify projects that will help policy framework to control development in address key issues and objectives set out future years. Furthermore, relevant proposals within the wider Regeneration Strategy. It may also be included within a Strategic forms part of the implementation plan for ‘A Development Plan for the Cardiff Capital Foundation for Success’ and the Economic Region. The Masterplan will therefore need to Development Strategy ‘Delivering Prosperity’ be reviewed to take into account the relevant which will be reviewed every 5 years. The policies and proposals contained within the Masterplan identifies investment and different tiers of development plans as they development opportunities within the Heads emerge. of the Valleys Area. The Masterplan has been prepared in the In order to capture regeneration opportunities context of the overarching regeneration throughout the County Borough, two further strategy for the County Borough, “A Masterplans will be produced for Greater Foundation for Success” as well as the Blackwood and the Newbridge to Risca economic development strategy “Delivering Corridor. Prosperity.“A Foundation for Success” sets out four key themes that need to be addressed: 4 Study Area Section 2: KEY To Ebbw Vale Railway Station & Midlands The Study Area Railway Line

Cycle Routes The Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Area A465 is located in the northern part of Caerphilly A465 A469 County Borough, and comprises the Darren, Rhymney Settlements Upper Rhymney and Upper Sirhowy Valleys, A469 including the Principal Town of Bargoed and To Merthyr the Local Centre of Rhymney. It incorporates & West Pontlottyn the wards of Twyn Carno, Moriah, Pontlottyn, Wales Darren Valley, New Tredegar, Aberbargoed, Fochriw Bargoed, Gilfach and Argoed.

This area suffers from significant challenges, New A469 Tredegar as underlined by the Welsh Index of Multiple Argoed winding house Deprivation ( WIMD) 2019. Of the 20 lower super output areas (LSOAs) that constitute Deri the nine wards, six of them are within the 10% most deprived in Wales in overall terms, with Aberbargoed a further five in the 10 - 20% most deprived Bargoed category. In addition, all nine wards are above average in terms of economic inactivity and Gilfach unemployment, and the proportion of lower- skilled, lower-paying jobs is higher in the To Caerphillly, M4 & Cardiff 5 Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Area than centre and home to Welsh Government for the England and Wales average. Relevant offices and major tourism attractions such data is presented as an appendix to this as Bike Park Wales. Immediately to the east document. is Blaenau Gwent, home to the Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone (EZ) which is utilising publicly The Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Area available finance to develop its automotive lies on the A465 at its northernmost point. sector through the Tech Valleys initiative. This is a key transport artery for the South Wales economy, connecting the M4 at Neath Whilst the study area of the Masterplan to Abergavenny and Hereford, and providing only relates to that part of the Heads of the links between West Wales and the Midlands. Valleys within Caerphilly County Borough’s It is the only strategic east-west link that administrative boundary, it has regard connects the Valleys communities providing to the wider A465 corridor and identifies access to employment, retail, leisure and other development and investment opportunities facilities. Significant levels of public funding that will strengthen the Borough’s position has been already been spent on improving the within this context. A465 and further investment is being provided to complete the dualling of the route.

This Masterplan seeks to put into context the role that the Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Area plays within the wider A465 corridor and looks to complement, exploit and strengthen the opportunities that exist. To the west is Merthyr, a sub-regional centre, major retail destination and service 6 Section 3: The Context

In providing the context to the Masterplan l A number of Welsh medium schools are l New house building is ongoing helping to it is important to understand the strengths, located in the area, helping to promote diversify the housing stock in this area, e.g. weaknesses, opportunities and threats that and grow the Welsh language; the former Bedwellty School Site; currently exist within the Heads of the Valleys. l The Integrated Health and Social Care l Significant investment has been targeted Strengths Resource Centre for the north is located at the council house stock throughout the l Excellent connectivity by road via the in Rhymney together with Hafod Deg area, improving the condition and quality A465 Heads of the Valleys Road to the Resource Centre, both of which provide of the stock and its energy efficiency; West Midlands, West Wales and Ireland; vital cross cutting services to residents in l The Cadw-designated Historic Landscape l Located within a dramatic natural and the area; of Gelligaer and Merthyr Common is semi natural environment; l The existence of key community hubs located within the area, providing a l Improved public transport infrastructure in e.g. local libraries, community centres, GP significant cultural and historical resource recent years including the provision of the surgeries; for the County Borough; new park & ride facilities and a new bus/ l The area contains two country parks l A number of heritage sites are based in the rail interchange at Bargoed, Rhymney park area e.g. Butetown and the Elliott Colliery and ride and frequency enhancements; within its boundary: Parc Coetir Bargod and Parc Cwm Darran; with Parc Bryn Bach Winding House; l Significant life-science companies are straddling the boundary with Blaenau l The Greater Bargoed Regeneration located in the HOVRA including Richards and Appleby, Williams Medical and Gwent, providing excellent recreation, Scheme has improved the southern end of Convatec; leisure and lifelong learning opportunities; Bargoed town centre; l Provision of a new 3-18 teaching facility in l A leisure centre at New Tredegar providing l A positive attitude towards community Rhymney (Idris Davies School); significant leisure opportunities; cohesion. 7 Challenges l The Masterplan area and the Upper Rhymney Valley in particular has the highest concentration of deprivation within the County Borough; l The Twyn Carno 1 LSOA is currently ranked as the 8th most deprived LSOA in Wales ( WIMD, 2019); l The area has high levels of economic inactivity, unemployment and long-term illness; l The area has low levels of attainment with regard to education & formal qualifications; l The general topography of the area, consisting of valleys and steep hillsides, hinders accessibility and has contributed to the problem of poor transport links and general physical isolation; l Bus transport in the area is infrequent and unreliable as a means of accessing employment opportunities; l Bargoed town centre has the highest vacancy rate of all of the principal town centres; l There is low diversity in the range of beneficial economic development along at The Lawns will provide modern, housing in the area; the A465; affordable units for business start-ups and l Many of the communities in the area are l The natural and semi-natural environment expansions; isolated and there is limited provision of in the area provides excellent recreational l A significant level of employment land is facilities and services. opportunities; available; although investment is needed to bring some of it back into beneficial Opportunities l The potential to enhance the benefits of its location adjacent to the Brecon use; l The City Deal for the region will provide Beacons National Park; l The development of Angel Way and Lowry an unprecedented level of funding for Plaza provides an excellent opportunity to projects with the aim of promoting l The Upper Rhymney Valley offers act as a catalyst to regenerate and diversify economic growth and job creation significant potential in terms of renewable Bargoed town centre; throughout the region, including energy production; l Capitalising on the improvements to the addressing skills gaps and shortages; l The area is the subject of major rail line and the increases in the frequency l The decision by the First Minister not infrastructure improvements, including of services post 2023; to progress with the M4 Relief Road the dualling of the A465, Metro improve­ has a potentially positive impact on the ments and the Dwr Cymru Welsh Water l Provision of a bus interchange on the perception of the A465 as a strategically Rhymney to Bargoed works, all of which A465 to improve east-west links by public important and unencumbered transport have the ability to provide training and transport, and to connect to the A469;

route; apprenticeship schemes for the area as l Target training opportunities at well as facilitating employment growth – l Potential for the integration of the Rhymney, New Tredegar and Bargoed the Dwr Cymru Welsh Water scheme also Rhymney employment land with the and throughout the area, looking at offers investment in community projects Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone, in order to the potential of delivering community create a Heads of the Valleys Enterprise as part of scheduled works; transport through the RDP and Transport Zone focussed on complementary and l The delivery of new industrial units for Wales; 9 l Pilot improved use of digital technology l Sections of cycle routes have already leading to the loss of local services and for promoting green infrastructure and been implemented and there are further community sustainability; opportunities to create a network of facilities and integrated digital technology l Socio-economic factors need to be routes and paths integrated into a wider training with employers and young people; addressed or they are likely to continue regional network; l Expansion of the area’s leisure and tourism to have a significant impact on the offer through the Valleys Regional Park l RDP funding is available which could Masterplan area; be used to facilitate a number of would be beneficial to both the local l Levels of car ownership are low and IT developments in the area. economy and people’s quality of life; infrastructure within the area is poor;

l Maximise the potential for heritage to be Threats l Low land values and historic land

used as a tool for increasing tourism in the l Merthyr and Ebbw Vale are identified as conditions associated with the area’s area; strategic hubs in the VTF Delivery Plan. industrial past make many sites unviable and therefore unattractive to the private l Potential to establish the Masterplan area The northern part of the Masterplan area sector; as a visitor destination through increased therefore needs to ensure that it is able to tourist accommodation provision given its develop its complementary employment l Available financial resources may be proximity to the National Park and other role; insufficient to effectively address the leisure and tourism facilities; l No VTF ‘hubs’ are identified within the challenges, especially as a result of the loss Masterplan area; of EU funding; l The natural and semi-natural environment, including the country parks and the l The current vogue for experiential l Low aspirations, low educational Historic Landscape of Gelligaer Common, shopping and the growth in online retail achievement and health issues may provides excellent opportunities for local are challenging for the existing town hinder the ability of residents to access communities and visitors alike, including centres; employment opportunities; recreation, improved health and well l Population decline is a significant threat l Negative perceptions of the area can under­ being and lifelong learning; to the Heads of the Valleys, potentially mine attempts at regenerating the area. 10 Section 4: The Vision for the Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Area

The Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Area employment opportunities and creating an outlined below that will drive its delivery and comprises the towns of Bargoed, Rhymney exciting, vibrant place where businesses will translate directly into a series of projects and and the Upper Rhymney and Sirhowy want to locate and where people will choose actions that: to live and work. Valleys, and lies alongside the A465 at its A. Complementing, and integrate with, northernmost point. Development in this It will strengthen and diversify communities nearby initiatives such as the Ebbw area needs to capitalise upon the major by improving connectivity, supporting Vale Enterprise Zone (EZ) in order public investment in the A465, in order to the role of the foundational economy and to develop a strategic employment help address deprivation within this area. A developing its role as a visitor and tourism function for Rhymney, establishing it destination by utilising its distinctive Vision and a series of Strategic Objectives as a gateway to the Valleys - Identifying industrial heritage and natural attractions have been identified, based on the findings redevelopment proposals for Rhymney’s and spaces. set out in Section 3 – these seek to address employment sites that link into Metro the HOVRA’s threats and weaknesses, It will enable the provision of, and promote improvements, the role of Rhymney Station by maximising the positive impact of its accessibility to, those commercial, leisure and and the close proximity of the A465. community services that will equip people to strengths and taking advantage of its Establishing strong infrastructural and lead more healthy and prosperous lives.” opportunities. sectoral links with the EZ is central to this; The Vision has been prepared having regard B. Improving social and economic The Vision is as follows: for the seven well-being goals set out within resilience through education, training the Well-being of Future Generations ( Wales) “The Heads of the Valleys will capitalise and careers advice, and foster the Act 2015. upon the major public investment in the development of the foundational A465 and its strategic location along this The Vision for the Masterplan will be economy within this area to ensure corridor, complementing and strengthening supported by a series of Strategic Objectives that economic growth accrues 11 more equitably - Tackling deprivation its diversification for alternative uses G. Supporting the development and and improving access to economic and taking full advantage of its bus/ diversification of housing in sustainable opportunities through development of rail connectivity, whilst retaining and locations to complement economic skills and integration of training initiatives consolidating a strong retail core, growth and resilience - Unlock stalled with business. In terms of the foundational housing sites in locations less favourable E. Maximising the impact of the Valleys economy, ensuring that resources are to volume builders and trial initiatives for Regional Park, protecting and more usefully spent shoring up indigenous innovative housing and self builds; enhancing important green spaces businesses where profit and spend is more and built heritage and promoting H. Providing a suitable level of likely to remain or recirculate within the tourism - Establishing a vibrant network community, leisure and education local economy. Central to this is building of tourism, visitor and leisure attractions facilities, aligning with national and capacity within communities and local initiatives including 21st Century establishing networks of collaboration; and promoting the natural heritage of the area in order to encourage the use of green Schools and the CCBC Sport and Active C. Expanding the area’s sphere of spaces and create a vibrant and accessible Recreation Strategy where applicable, influence and improve connectivity visitor destination; and establishing Integrated Well- - Using the A465 and public transport Being Networks in order to connect infrastructure improvements to enable the F. Supporting proposals for renewable communities’ strengths and assets population within the north of the County energy generation and community - Acknowledge that such facilities are Borough to benefit from opportunities benefit through utility infrastructure - important to the population and ensure within the wider A465 corridor, including Encouraging the development of renewable that these facilities meet future needs. those that are presented in adjacent energy proposals in sustainable locations, Collaboration delivered through networks authorities; including through the operation of of community hubs and people who deliver D. Reinforcing the role of Bargoed community co-operatives, and ensure that services and support can build community as a service centre for the north of community benefit can be derived from relationships and have a positive impact the County Borough - Promoting upgrades to public utilities; on well-being and social capital, especially 12 in conjunction with other community schemes; I. Ensuring that accessibility for all is embedded in all improvement schemes - A cross-cutting objective that recognises that people are disabled more by poor design, inaccessible services and other people’s attitudes than by their own impairment;

J. Ensuring all communities within the Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Area are able to engage and benefit from the Masterplan - Ensure that the proposals identified in the Masterplan have positive outputs for those that are living in those communities.

13 Section 5: The Development Strategy

In order to deliver the Vision and Strategic growth may arise on the basis of this. This complement the role of the nearby Ebbw Objectives, it is important to set out the work is presented as an appendix to this Vale Enterprise Zone (EZ) and maximise the development strategy in relation to the key document and its findings set out in Section 6. potential offered by increased connectivity land uses within the Masterplan area, having The adopted LDP protects the following through the Metro initiative. regard for the strategy of the adopted LDP, six sites within the Heads of the Valleys It is envisaged that this will involve the regional aspirations and the opportunities Regeneration Area for employment use provision of new starter units suitable for and challenges that form the context. The site and these should continue to be protected small business start-ups, and some larger specific delivery of the Masterplan is set out in (additional land at Heads of the Valleys Section 6. Industrial Estate is allocated for new units that cater for businesses who wish development): to take advantage of existing and growth Employment and Skills sectors. The area, along with Blaenau Gwent, l Heads of the Valleys, Rhymney; City Deal presents a significant opportunity to does have a life sciences presence, and the l Capital Valley, Rhymney; revitalise the economy of the A465 corridor, automotive focus of the nearby EZ may l Maerdy, Rhymney; providing funds to develop growth in key present opportunities for complementary l New Tredegar Business Park; sectors, establish a network of redeveloped development in associated supply chains and l Bowen, Aberbargoed; and reconfigured employment sites and service sectors. improve linkages with the rest of the region l Angel Lane, Aberbargoed. and beyond. Work has been undertaken The Masterplan seeks to take advantage of Alongside physical improvements to land and to determine a sectoral breakdown of the the three Rhymney sites listed above plus The premises, there is a need for this process to HOVRA’s economy, identify those areas Lawns Industrial Estate by identifying them link to the development of direct recruitment of sectoral strength that may exist and to as potential redevelopment opportunities, schemes being implemented by the Council’s establish where opportunities for economic in order to provide new business space, to Business Liaison Officer. 14 Foundational Economy Education and Training them make the right choices to lead them into work; The foundational economy provides Educational attainment and skills acquisition, essential goods and services for everyday along with other social and economic factors l Ensuring that the appropriate soft skills life and includes infrastructure; utilities; food in respect of deprivation are key issues in and technical skills are provided, and processing, retailing and distribution; and respect of addressing inequalities in the engendering a culture of enterprise and health, education and welfare. In Wales, it Masterplan area. Data from the Welsh Index of entrepreneurship; supports four out of every 10 jobs, and £1 in Multiple Deprivation ( WIMD) 2019 indicates every £3 spent. l Addressing the mismatch between the that of the twenty LSOAs that constitute the skills needed to access jobs (digital, Common interventions utilised in relation HOVRA, six are in the most 10% deprived of technical and soft) and the training to the foundational economy include all Welsh LSOAs in terms of education (details provided through the educational those related to public sector procurement are set out in Appendix 5). curriculum and by training providers; processes, ensuring that more of the revenue moving through it can be harnessed and Working in partnership with Careers Wales, l Ensuring that there are opportunities retained in the local area. Other schemes Business Support Wales and business and for upskilling in the current workforce, include a pilot project in Blaenau Gwent, industry, the Council will seek to increase including the closing of skills ‘gaps’ in involving the collaboration of locally- the availability of quality jobs and identify relation to potential growth sectors; active housing associations to support the opportunities to enhance access for l Improving links between schools, further development of SMEs. residents to those jobs. The availability of education and local businesses; Welsh Government has launched a £3m a workforce with the appropriate range of l Integration with the Community Foundational Economy Challenge Fund, skills is essential, and the focus should be Regeneration-led Gateway to Employment offering support to organisations and concentrated on the following areas: model, providing key relevant training businesses to introduce innovative ways of opportunities for existing workforces and working. This is open to any organisation l Providing appropriate career support to unemployed participants. working within the foundational economy, aid people’s understanding of the type of and projects must be for its benefit. employment available to them and help 15 Connectivity have a positive impact on the local economy Parc Bryn Bach (Blaenau Gwent Caerphilly); i.e. through the provision of business space Parc Cwm Darran; The A465 is the key strategic east-west route and associated development, and to convey a Parc Coetir Bargod; between West Wales and the Midlands and positive image of the area by providing links Markham Colliery. the ongoing dualling programme will increase to town centres and other facilities that exist its capability in this regard, as well as providing Other important heritage assets which will elsewhere within the Heads of the Valleys a vital link with nearby centres such as Merthyr contribute to the VRP include: Regeneration Area. and Ebbw Vale. The increased accessibility The Winding House Museum, New offered by Metro will have similar benefits in Leisure and Tourism Tredegar; respect of accessibility to the south, aiding Bute Town Conservation Area; access to external markets for businesses, jobs The Heads of the Valleys is synonymous with Hanbury Chapel and Library, Bargoed. and other facilities for residents. Increases in both a strong industrial legacy and a series of journey frequency and the provision of earlier distinctive landscapes, and the combination Town Centres of these is a rich natural and cultural heritage. and later services will allow more people Retailing remains fundamental to the role The Valleys Regional Park ( VRP) initiative seeks to travel in a manner which is conducive to and function of town centres. The Masterplan to establish a model for the management labour market requirements, taking account of area comprises the Principal Town of Bargoed, of a network of a highly-visible, high quality shift patterns. the Local Centre of Rhymney and the smaller country parks, other natural assets, heritage It will also have the potential to bring settlements of New Tredegar, Aberbargoed, sites and attractions across the Valleys, linked employees and visitors in, and therefore Markham, Argoed, Hollybush, Deri, Fochriw, with towns and villages and the Metro and ‘gateway’ sites such as the Bargoed and Pontlottyn and Abertysswg. maximising the opportunities for walking, Rhymney Stations and their environs are cycling and riding. l Bargoed – the town centre includes important, both in their own right and as one national supermarket (Morrisons), a a means of signposting to nearby facilities. There are three existing country parks and number of smaller national stores and over There is therefore the potential for land one proposed country park in the HOVRA 100 largely independent commercial units around local rail stations to be configured to that will contribute to the VRP, namely: and key services; 16 l Rhymney – comprises a range of local there is a need to diversify stock and in order l Bargoed Library and Customer First shops and services; to retain the existing population. Centre (Hanbury Chapel); l Neighbourhood retailing – in accordance The Heads of the Valleys has experienced l Rhymney Integrated Health and Social with national and local planning policy, less development pressure over the lifetime Care Centre; the Masterplan does not promote the of the LDP due to the perceptions of volume l Hafod Deg Resource Centre, Rhymney; provision of major retail development housebuilders regarding profitability. Whilst l Idris Davies School, Abertysswg – the first outside of designated retail areas, but the some small-scale development has taken English medium school in the authority development of some retail to support place, many of the sites allocated for housing that offers a through school education for local needs is a key part of promoting in the LDP remain undeveloped, despite pupils between the ages of 3 and 18; this sustainable development. their sustainable locations. However, there provision also incorporates Flying Start is significant potential for the development Both Bargoed and Rhymney town centres and wraparound childcare. of sites by SME builders and self-build plots, have vacant units, and there is potential to as well as new housing association sites, to l Rhymney Library. diversify the range of uses within both towns, provide new sustainably located housing The rationalisation and sharing of facilities to whilst ensuring that they expand on their development in order to increase the amount fulfil several community purposes can provide roles as service centres with a viable and and quality of housing stock in this area. benefits in the form of community ‘hubs’, vibrant retail and commercial basis. allowing people and groups to use them Community Facilities Housing for a variety of uses. This can have a positive The provision and location of community impact in terms of social capital, engendering The strategy for the adopted LDP seeks facilities are of crucial importance to the networking opportunities, knowledge sharing to exploit appropriate development sustainability of settlements and to the well­ and the development of transferable skills opportunities where they exist, with a view being of their populations. In addition to which are of invaluable importance in a to creating a viable future for all communities existing facilities in the HOVRA, a number of modern social and economic context. in the Heads of the Valleys. It also seeks to new facilities have opened, or existing ones accommodate new housing in villages where improved, since the adoption of the LDP: 17 Section 6: The Masterplan Framework

This section sets out the site specific projects Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone comprises All of these sites benefit from close proximity and proposals that will collectively deliver eight sites which are intended to deliver to the A465, allocation within the Blaenau the Vision and Objectives. Many of the the objective of the Tech Valleys initiative – Gwent LDP for class B uses, a simplified projects are interrelated, and therefore supporting the improvement of infrastructure planning regime via a local development implementation of some projects may be links and development of 450,000 sq ft of new order (LDO) and financial support from reliant on other proposals progressing industrial/commercial floorspace, generating Finance Wales and the Welsh Business Rates sequentially or concurrently. up to £20 million of private investment and Scheme. An opportunity exists to extend potentially 1,000 permanent jobs. the EZ to incorporate employment sites in A – Complement, and integrate with, Rhymney to provide ancillary, complementary nearby initiatives such as the Ebbw The five ‘key’ sites within the and service employment opportunities. Vale Enterprise Zone (EZ) in order Enterprise Zone (EZ) are as to develop a strategic employment follows: Establishment of an A465

function for Rhymney, establishing l Bryn Serth (20.2 ha); Innovation Chain it as a gateway to the Valleys l Rassau Industrial Estate (7.1 ha); Work undertaken by the University of South City Deal presents an opportunity for the Wales for the Valleys Taskforce recommends l Rhyd-y-Blew (29.2 ha) – development of a A465 corridor to develop its economy in an the establishment of an ‘innovation chain’ to technology park at this location in lieu of integrated way, exploiting improvements in maximise the impact of the A465 dualling. the Circuit of Wales scheme, including a connectivity to bring about sectoral growth The aim of this is to provide a series of 50,000 sq ft advanced manufacturing unit; on the basis of existing strengths, and in a strong innovation clusters in order to boost l The Works (6.2 ha) – development of manner which is complementary to other the regional economy and attract external 22,000 sq ft of B1/B2 starter units; parts of the region, through the development investment. Three zones are identified, based of modern business premises. l Tredegar Business Park (2.1 ha) on existing characteristics: 18 A465 Innovation Chain - -

19 l Zone 1 (Glynneath area, Neath Port Talbot): Rhymney is situated between Ebbw Vale excellent vehicular and freight access to energy/environment cluster; and Merthyr on the A465 and, although it Merthyr Tydfil to the west and the Ebbw Vale has no designated role as set out within Enterprise Zone to the east. Rhymney Station l Zone 2 (Hirwaun-Aberdare area, Rhondda the VTF delivery plan, it possesses a ‘critical provides excellent rail access through the Cynon Taf ): IT/digital cluster; mass’ of existing employment land and County Borough to Cardiff, whilst there is l Zone 3 (Dowlais, Merthyr - Bute Town, premises which is a comparative strength in the capability to transport freight from the Caerphilly): extension of Tech Valleys and the HOVRA, which illustrated that Rhymney Capital Valley railhead, which is unique in the can compete with neighbouring areas to Merthyr industrial sites. Heads of the Valleys area. attract and retain business. The Rhymney The following map identifies the EZ sites The main focus of Zone 3 is to provide employment cluster comprises the following as well as the Rhymney cluster, and the key greater connectivity between the automotive sites: transport routes that exist in the local presence in Ebbw Vale and those additional l Heads of the Valleys (19.5 ha) – 5.2 ha of vicinity: facilities that exist in Merthyr – some undeveloped land remains available for industrial as well as retail and leisure. The development; Given Rhymney’s proximity to the EZ and USW work envisages the addition of R&D the need for mutually complementary l Capital Valley (14.8 ha) – 3.3 ha at the facilities, support for business start-ups and southern end is undeveloped; employment growth in order to deliver conferencing and hospitality facilities for economic benefits to this part of the A465 l Maerdy Industrial Estate (12.5 ha); business and investors along this corridor. The corridor, it is proposed that the scope of Masterplan seeks to build on this approach l The Lawns Industrial Estate (7.3 ha) – there the existing Ebbw Vale EZ be expanded to is planning consent to develop 15 new by developing the role of Rhymney’s existing create a Heads of the Valleys Enterprise units on the residual land available. employment sites, in order to complement Zone, complementing the planned growth the focus on automotive and advanced This cluster of industrial estates is situated in the automotive sector at Ebbw Vale and manufacturing within the Ebbw Vale either side of the A469 north-south link road, the retail/leisure offer at Merthyr (including Enterprise Zone. in very close proximity to the A465, offering the forthcoming Rhydycar West scheme). 20 Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone and Rhymney Employment Sites

Legend H Railway Stations A465 2 Railway Line Rhymney Employment A. The Lawns B. Maerdy Industrial Estate C. Capital Valley D. Heads of the Valley Ind. Est. 3 1 Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone 1. Bryn Serth 2. Rassau Industrial Estate 3. Rhyd-y-Blew 7 4. The Works 8 5. Tredegar Business Park 6. Victoria/Festival Park 7. Tafarnaubach Ind. Est. 8. Waun y Pound Ind. Est.

H 5 4

6 D H A

C B

H

21 Collectively, these proposals will build on the exhibits clustering characteristics in the very high occupancy rates for such units. benefits of the A465 dualling and the newly area (technical expertise and social capital It is recommended that the average site developed Metro hub at Rhymney Station. locally inherent to that particular field), offered should be 1,500 – 2,000 sq ft. Focus opportunities for expansion will arise, either on provision of these units should be on In terms of the sectoral analysis undertaken in the form of additional automotive or other, those parts of the CCR outside Cardiff in respect of existing sectors operating complementary sectors. Whilst this process and Newport where new private sector within the area, the Rhymney area does is heavily reliant on the development of development of such floorspace is viable. accommodate companies which are active technical expertise and skills, the Rhymney Potential locations in Caerphilly County in the area of healthcare more generally, area does have sites that could accommodate Borough include Caerphilly/Bedwas, mid be it manufacturing or supply. This part such development in the form of Capital Valleys locations ( Ystrad Mynach, Blackwood) of the HOVRA, encom-passing Rhymney Valley (which requiresredevelopment) and and Rhymney. Further development of and the broad cluster of related firms in Heads of the Valleys Industrial Estate (which such premises will benefit local enterprise, Blaenau Gwent (including PCI Pharma at has undeveloped land). including – potentially – some elements of Tafarnaubach), therefore has the potential the foundational economy. to build on this specialism, provided that a) Work undertaken by JLL/Sutton Consulting a suitable workforce can be retained and on behalf of the Cardiff Capital Region has Large B2 Industrial and expanded upon; and b) the customer base is presented findings in terms of take-up Manufacturing Units sufficiently accessible. and demand for the different categories of There has been a steady take-up of floorspace employment premises and recommendations An enlarged Heads of the Valleys Enterprise across the CCR since the 2007-10 economic as to how these should be addressed spatially Zone may also present opportunities for the downturn and there is now a near historic across the region. Those pertinent to the HOVRA more generally. Whilst the growth low in terms of supply, particularly regarding Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Area are: of the automotive sector has reportedly modern floorspace. There is little speculative been slow, there are examples of firms Traditional Small B1/B2/ development but the flow of foreign operating within the sector and, should a B8 Industrial Units direct investment remains slow but steady. critical mass be reached whereby the sector Studies across the CCR have identified Recommended locations for intervention 22 include the provision of large manufacturing ongoing A465 dualling programme, there l The existence of a railhead at Capital Valley units at Oakdale and Rhymney (1 x 50,000 sq is potential to create an EV-friendly service gives the area freight transfer capability, ft and 1 x 25,000). station on the A465 which could also provide which is unique in the wider EZ area; tourism and visitor services. l The collaborative aspect of the proximity Metro Stations as Business Hubs Rhymney is identified as being a location of existing commercial/industrial uses A pilot programme is suggested to explore that would benefit from the development elsewhere in Rhymney, particularly the the feasibility of converting stations into of small business start-up units, demand for adjacent Lawn and Maerdy Industrial well-connected business hubs as part of a which is strong a) across the region due to Estates; sustainable regeneration masterplan, with prevailing high occupancy rates; and b) locally l Opportunities to encourage all industrial the local station at the centre. It is anticipated due to a low proportion of suitable stock. Its estate owners to re-brand their premises that Metro will generate sufficient commuter location just outside the Ebbw Vale EZ, as as a single business location, pooling traffic to justify commercial development at well as good transport links provided by the resources and encouraging a partnership key locations and, in time, facilitate investment A465 and A469 southbound would enhance approach to development in this sector beyond the immediate station environs. Public its attractiveness as an area for developing complementary activities to those in the EZ (possibly with those in the EZ); sector intervention will be required in the first with the provision of suitable premises. Other instance to bring forward sites of sufficient l Rhymney does have an existing life factors could also work in its favour, if public quality and scale. Three pathfinder schemes sciences presence, and the provision of funding is utilised to develop the potential of are recommended as an exemplar (10,000 modern business stock could develop this these attributes: sq ft employment floorspace) with potential further. l Potential for increased economic locations including Rhymney. A - 1 Capital Valley integration with the rest of the region due Other to the increase in journey frequency at Capital Valley is an existing industrial estate, With the growth in prominence of electric Rhymney Station and the potential role comprising older, low quality industrial and vehicles, the lack of charging infrastructure of the Station as an economic hub for the warehouse accommodation. Land in the across the CCR is highlighted. With the HOVRA; south is in use for open storage while there 23 Capital Valley are multiple derelict/demolished buildings KE Y A4 6 5 H Railway Stations in the north. Much of it is within TAN 15 flood Railway Line zone C2. A469

Capital Valley There is concern that the existing stock is H not fit for purpose in places, specifically that there is a shortage of smaller, modern units suitable for new business start-ups. Vacancy rates on Capital Valley as of 2018 were 52.6% in terms of numbers of units; 37.2% in terms of floorspace. Notwithstanding this, the existing businesses on the site employ circa A469 200 people.

Redevelopment of the site to tailor it (at least in part) to the needs of specific sectors, complemented by investment in the development of a range of particular skill sets, would allow such businesses to take advantage of an appropriately trained and upskilled workforce. Key areas that could be targeted are manufacturing (potentially advanced manufacturing in relation to auto­ A469A469A469A469 H motive), processing, energy and institutional potentially involving mixed-use schemes including housing or commercial uses. 24

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H Development Principles The Lawns and Maerdy Industrial Estates

KEY l Redevelopment of the site for small, start­ A465 H Railway Stations up units, and larger B2 development; Railway Line A469 l Potential mixed-use development The Lawns

including housing or commercial uses; Maerdy Industrial Estate l Maximising the existence of a railhead; H l Integration with Rhymney Station and the town centre, especially due to increased journey frequency; l Optimising the site’s strategically advantageous position through a range of economic uses, including potentially targeting complementary uses to those A469

forming the basis of the existing EZ/Tech Valleys. l Integration with the Community Regeneration-led Gateway to Employment model, providing key relevant training opportunities for existing workforces and unemployed participants.

A - 2 The Lawns Industrial Estate

The Lawns Industrial Estate (lying immediately adjacent to The Maerdy 25 H

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Mynedfa’r Gogledd/North Entrance

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Mynedfa Gwedd y Gorllewin/West Entrance

26 Industrial Estate) is centrally located in l New access highway infrastructure & part is protected for employment use in the Rhymney on the north eastern side of the parking areas; LDP. The remainder is allocated for new cluster of estates and is the smallest of the l New single storey employment buildings employment development. The northern four. Existing units are of moderate quality, (x3) – with internal units ranging in size section comprises mid-sized industrial and the majority of them are used for storage, between 50, 70 & 100 sq.m; premises, the southern section comprises a office space or other less industrial facilities/ l Associated soft and hard landscaping row of smaller units, one large property and use, also on site is a civic amenity centre. features. vacant land. Access to the Lawns estate is only possible Development Principles from the southern end via a link road off the Sharp Clinical Services, part of UDG B4257. There is a strong and ever increasing l Development of new start units to satisfy Healthcare plc, has recently invested £9m to demand for expansion and enhancement demand; fund a new multiple – phase pharmaceutical of the estate for light industrial, high quality l Better integration of business space within manufacturing, packaging and distribution ‘starter units’. As well as potential, additional the sites, enhanced legibility of access; facility at this location adding to the range opportunities for expansion of the estate of life science manufacturing facilities on l Reduced commuting out of the area in the future, the Council aims to bring into through increased provision of local jobs; the estate (Convatec Ltd is also located here) beneficial economic use a parcel of prime demonstrating the attractiveness of the area l Maximise opportunities brought about underutilised land (approx. 0.65Ha in size) to multi-national life science companies. by Metro, due to proximity to Rhymney adjacent to the existing estate to significantly Station. expand the site’s employment offer. This will The site’s extremely good transport links in result in the design and construction of new A - 3 Heads of the Valleys relation to the A465, as well as the availability high quality light industrial factory units and Industrial Estate of undeveloped land, enhance its status as associated infrastructure, to be delivered in Located off the A469 and divided into a candidate for the location of life science 2020. The scheme will consist of the following two parts, the northern part of the estate facilities and for business conferencing key elements: together with a portion of the southern provision to serve the wider A465 corridor. 27 Heads of the Valleys Industrial Estate Development Principles

KEY l Good strategic location on the A469 and

A465 H Railway Stations Railway Line very close to the A465; A469 Heads of the Valley Ind. Est. l Availability of undeveloped land;

l Build on collaborative aspect of the proximity of existing commercial/ industrial uses elsewhere in Rhymney, particularly Capital Valley and the Lawns and Maerdy Industrial Estates;

A469 l Opportunity to develop role of existing sectors e.g. life sciences;

l Potential location for sub-regional business conferencing facility, to be developed as part of an overall H improvement to the site’s environment; l Integration with the Community Regeneration led Gateway to Employment model, providing key relevant training opportunities for existing workforces and A469A469A469A469 unemployed participants.

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H B - Improve social and economic l To foster a renewed spirit of confidence l The provision of appropriate career resilience through education, and entrepreneurship and increase the support for children and adults; likelihood of higher levels of indigenous training and careers advice, and l Addressing the mismatch between the business formation and economic growth; foster the development of the skills needed to access jobs and the foundational economy within l To attract key employers, particularly those training provided through the curriculum this area to ensure that economic operating in higher value-added sectors, and by training providers; growth accrues more equitably as part of an overall ‘package’ including l Ensuring that there are opportunities for modern, fit-for-purpose employment B - 1 Education, Training and Skills upskilling among the current workforce; premises and good sub and inter-regional In order to combat the economic deprivation connectivity. l Improve links between educational that is present in much of the HOVRA and institutions, including schools, and local Having regard to the role of the HOVRA in conjunction with the physical proposals businesses; within the context of the wider Heads of the set out under Objective A, there is a need to Valleys region, such an approach needs to l Integration with the Community ensure the provision of suitable education be appropriately tailored to the economic Regeneration led Gateway to Employment and training initiatives, programmes to aspirations set out by the Valleys Taskforce model, providing key relevant training reduce worklessness and the development and the Tech Valleys initiative. In practice, this opportunities for existing workforces and of transferable skills. means the propagation of skills tailored to the unemployed participants. This will provide several opportunities in area’s key growth areas. As part of this, Valleys Taskforce is piloting relation to economic prosperity: As outlined in A Foundation for Success and its a project across its area which seeks to l To provide local people with the necessary supporting document Delivering Prosperity, connect social and economic challenges skills required for employment, generally there is a need for co-ordinated delivery with crowdsourced entrepreneurial bringing about an increase in skill levels between relevant organisations in order to solutions, utilising a cloud-based, open and improving people’s access to good ensure a comprehensive approach regarding innovation platform to establish links with quality jobs; the following: local educational institutions. Essentially, the 29 project will connect local SMEs with a wealth rather than particular sites. Resilience can training opportunities for existing workforces of intelligence contained in Universities be improved through investing in firms and unemployed participants (specifically and Colleges to offer solutions to everyday and organisations within the foundational relating in work support and upskilling business problems. economy, and the Welsh Government existing workforces). Foundational Economy Challenge Fund will Specific actions in relation to education, Council procurement processes can also offer support to organisations and businesses training and skills are set out within A assist by investing in Heads of the Valleys to introduce innovative ways of working. The Foundation for Success. In addition, the Council organisations on locally specific contracts Council’s Business Support service can assist is preparing a Skills, Training and Employment where possible. This will ensure that organisations who may wish to access this Strategy which will further develop ways of funding. contracts are socially beneficial, ensuring that improving skills attainment. infrastructure projects deliver community Business Support also has a role in terms benefit. This needs to be done in such a B - 2 Foundational Economy of working with businesses to establish way that builds capacity in local businesses, networks of collaboration, ensuring that local The foundational economy has been defined offering long-term employment and supply chains can be established where they as the “social consumption of essential training. don’t already exist, serving to keep money goods and services”. It includes things such within the local economy. Related to this is Education and training providers will be as healthcare, education, food processing the provision of suitable business stock – the important in building the relevant skills and retail, utilities and infrastructure. By delivery of modern start-up units on estates required to enable organisations to maintain its very nature, it exists where demand is such as Capital Valley and The Lawns will networks of collaboration, and in accessing localised and permanent and, therefore, assist in adding to existing premises in places Welsh Government funding opportunities. the foundational economy exists across the such as New Tredegar and providing fit-for­ Integrated Well-Being Networks, which whole of the HOVRA. purpose business space for local firms. The seek to connect the strengths and assets of For this reason, this is a cross-cutting Community Regeneration-led Gateway to communities, will also be relevant, and these objective that covers the whole area, Employment model will provide key relevant will be discussed more fully under Objective H. 30 C - Expand the area’s sphere of technically challenging. Sections 5 and 6, South Wales Metro influence and improve connectivity from Dowlais Top to Hirwaun, will then follow The South Wales Metro initiative will provide and complete the project. Whilst the A465 The HOVRA lies within the wider A465 an opportunity to build on existing provision corridor, which stretches from Neath in the provides opportunities in terms of increasing within the HOVRA: accessibility between settlements within the west to Abergavenny in the east (in a Welsh l The creation of a multi-modal and context) before crossing into the Midlands, corridor, it risks concentrating development integrated transport network, involving with settlements in the northern part of and its associated benefits in those that are traditional rail, light rail and bus rapid the area in particular operating within the regarded as being of strategic importance in transit (BRT ); a regional context i.e. Merthyr. The creation sphere of influence of nearby centres such l £77 million investment in a package of as Merthyr and Ebbw Vale. Notably it now of a Heads of the Valleys Enterprise Zone will Phase 1 infrastructure improvements takes the same time by road from Rhymney provide the basis for realising comprehensive across the region; to travel to the Midlands or London as it does economic benefits along the entirety of the l Phase 2, which will involve the major from Cardiff. However the A465 route has the A465 corridor, by matching investment in transformation of the existing rail added benefit of avoiding the congestion of transport infrastructure with investment network across the region, delivering the Brynglas Tunnels and the Severn Bridge in the physical fabric of local economies faster and more frequent services (four making the HOVRA an attractive proposition and also in terms of the educational and trains per hour), new stations, enhanced for businesses to locate. skills requirements that are vital to support integration and the introduction of a new and improved rolling stock. This will A465 Dualling economic growth sectors. deliver increased accessibility, improving The A469 resilience route remains a key Dualling of the A465 Heads of the Valleys access to employment and other services trunk road continues with Section 3 aspiration in terms of improving connectivity and facilities across the wider region (Brynmawr to Tredegar) finished in 2015. between the northern and southern ends of and especially to communities on the Section 2, from Gilwern to Brynmawr, is the HOVRA, and improving resilience in terms core valley lines north of Cardiff and, now well underway although is more of the area’s highways infrastructure. specifically, the Rhymney Valley Line. 31 In terms of timescales, the implementation Locally, the Rhymney Valley Line operational feasibility of providing electric vehicle of Phase 2 is anticipated up to 2023, with enhancements to enable more frequent and charging points, following a commitment further phases (beyond the core valley lines) faster services will be delivered through Phase to increasing the use of electric vehicles to follow. 2. Potential bus rapid transit routes between and creating an all-electric public transport Rhymney and Ebbw Vale, and Rhymney and network. Funding has been obtained through Metro is intended to act as a catalyst for Merthyr, are also options for the future. the OLEV scheme for charging points in car transforming the economic and social parks near residential areas without off-street prospects of the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR). A pilot programme is suggested to explore parking and a scheme is envisaged at Dyffryn Increased connectivity will bring about the the feasibility of converting stations into Terrace, Eliot’s Town, with the potential for following: well-connected business hubs as part of a additional locations to benefit including sustainable regeneration masterplan, with l Direct economic benefits through easier Pontlottyn Station and Parc Cwm Darran. the local station at the centre. It is anticipated access to employment across the region; that Metro will generate sufficient commuter Digital Connectivity l Agglomerative benefits; traffic to justify commercial development Digital Connectivity is critical if the l Development and regeneration benefits at key locations and, in time, facilitate economy of the HOVRA is to improve. Welsh on key corridors and around key stations; investment beyond the immediate station Government established the Superfast Cymru environs. Public sector intervention will be l Environmental and sustainability benefits; initiative in order to extend the coverage of required in the first instance to bring forward superfast broadband to those areas across l Ensuring the community is fully engaged sites of sufficient quality and scale. The Wales not covered by commercial rollout. This and has valued input into proposed Council will work with Welsh Government programme concluded in 2016 and has had works. The use of existing Community and Transport for Wales to pursue a pilot at substantial success in rolling out superfast Regeneration hubs can be developed Rhymney Station. broadband provision across the country. upon to ensure all elements of work are integrated alongside existing community Electric Vehicles The quality and speed of such digital benefit related contracts. The Council is currently exploring the connectivity is of great importance for the 32 business community, in terms of being able Land around Rhymney Station to address new market opportunities, the KEY A465 H Railway Stations scaling up of operations and impacting Railway Line positively on profitability. However, the Railway Station & Car Park success that can be delivered through the provision of such infrastructure is dependent on take-up rates, and therefore businesses throughout the HOVRA will be encouraged to unlock their full potential through the use of digital technology.

In some parts of the HOVRA, areas of poorer

Whitbread connectivity may persist, and therefore Centre H opportunities to address this should be Rhymney pursued, both through: College

A469 l Extended provision of enhanced digital infrastructure, where necessary; and l The linking of enhanced infrastructure to businesses and homes, through redevelopment and adaptation; l Use of existing services such as Digital Fridays, local libraries and local outreach venues to improve digital literacy and 33

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H provide access to broadband in deprived As part of the investments being made in General improvements are planned by areas where people would not be able to Metro, the Council is working with Transport Transport for Wales under the Metro access ICT provision; for Wales to secure station improvements proposals for Bargoed Pontlottyn, Brithdir at Rhymney Station. The improvements will l Link to the Gateway to Employment and Tirphil Stations, including level boarding, model to improve basic skills in the most include enhanced stabling facilities, platform lighting and cycle racks, ticketing and wifi. extension and remodelling, additional deprived and isolated communities. There is also an aspiration for additional parking, a new toilet block and waiting rooms, parking at Bargoed Station, which will be C - 1 Land around Rhymney Station cycle racks and ticketing and wifi upgrades. covered further on. Within 100m of Rhymney Station lies the Development Principles Whitbread Enterprise Centre and the former The possibility of installing electric vehicle l Economically advantageous due to Rhymney College. There is potential for part (EV ) charging infrastructure at Pontlottyn proximity to rail station, as well as existing of this land to be redeveloped as a multi­ Station is also being considered under the firms located on nearby industrial estates; functional business hub, offering business OLEV grant scheme. units, live-work space and a commercial l Optimisation of vacant/underused land; C - 3 A465/A469 Transport Hub element including meeting facilities. In l Provision of start-up/incubator units conjunction with the increased journey suitable for firms requiring access to There is the potential to explore the frequency brought about by Metro, this transport infrastructure; development of a transport interchange close to the intersection of the A465 and A469, would allow the station and its immediate l Development of multi-functional element; environs to maximise the economic linking the major east-west and north-south l Further enhancements to Rhymney advantage offered by increased connectivity routes in this part of the Heads of the Valleys Station as part of Metro; to external markets, as well as to create a corridor. This scheme would be likely to come l Increase in journey frequency. multi-purpose focal point in close proximity forward under a later phase of investment to Rhymney town centre and to additional, C - 2 Other Stations (Bargoed, (post Phase 2 of Metro) under Metro Plus, and new business premises at The Lawns. Pontlottyn, Brithdir, Tirphil) financed through City Deal. 34 A465/A469 Transport Hub Development Principles

l Provision of park and ride between the A465 and Rhymney Station; Potential Metro Interchange l Development of links with planned and existing active travel routes (C - 7);

l Close to tourism and leisure amenities – Bute Town heritage offer, Bute Town Reservoir, Parc Bryn Bach;

A469 l Creation of sustainable transport links between the A465 and new employment provision at the proposed Heads of the Valleys Enterprise Zone.

C - 4 A469 Resilience Route

Whilst Metro and the increasing role of public transport is of key importance to the sustainable development of the HOVRA, the integration of different modes is of key importance in terms of ensuring that KEY H communities are well-connected. The closure H Railway Stations Railway Line of the A469 between New Tredegar and A469 Rhymney, due to a landslip in February 2014, Metro Shuttle has demonstrated the importance of this 35

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H A469 Resilience Route route to the accessibility of the Masterplan area. Investment is required to ensure KEY A465 greater resilience for the route to maintain A469 accessibility to this part of the county To Ebbw Vale Settlements & Midlands borough. Greater levels of connectivity is essential to the development of sustainable A465 communities and increasing the area’s attractiveness as a business and visitor Rhymney destination. A469 To Merthyr & West Feasibility work has previously been Wales undertaken regarding the development of a Pontlottyn new highway route between New Tredegar A469 Resilience

and Abertysswg, and currently ground Fochriw investigations are underway at the existing route. An assessment can then inform the best option to secure the route for the future. A469 New Once all avenues and cost benefits have been Tredegar examined funding options will be explored.

C - 5 Former Skinner’s Site, Rhymney

Deri The site forms a vacant strip of land to the north of Heads of the Valleys Industrial Estate, which formerly accommodated To Caerphillly, M4 & Cardiff the Ron Skinner car dealership. The site 36 Former Skinner’s Site is approximately 0.8ha and is situated

Key immediately adjacent to the A469 and in very A465 Former Skinner Site close proximity (within 1 km) to the A465, A469 although lies wholly within a C2 flood risk area.

The site’s location, ideally situated along major transport arteries, provides an opportunity to tackle two issues:

l The need for a service location on this stretch of the A465, in order to act as an ‘attractor’ to traffic passing between A469 Merthyr and Blaenau Gwent;

l The shortage of electric vehicle charging points in this part of the County Borough and along this stretch of the A465 – there are none between Merthyr and Brynmawr.

Rhymney Development Principles Town Centre l The site has flood risk and, due to previous uses, potential contamination issues which need to be addressed;

l Highly accessible, cleared, developable brownfield site;

l Opportunity to realise some form of 37 commercial/service-related development Dyffryn Terrace, Elliots Town just off the A465; KE Y A4049 l Development at this location would act as Railway Line

Rhymney A469 an ‘attractor’ to the area, increasing levels Car Park location of electric vehicle charging points of consumer spending;

l Very close to Heads of the Valleys Industrial Estate – development of a regional business conferencing facility at this location could enhance the economic attraction of such a development;

l Integration with the Community Regeneration-led Gateway to Employment model, providing key relevant training A4049

opportunities for existing workforces and unemployed participants.

C - 6 Dyffryn Terrace, Elliots Town A b e rb a rg o e d Funding has been obtained under the OLEV A465 grant scheme for the installation of electric vehicle charging points at Dyffryn Terrace,

Elliots Town. This will enable the provision of A469

two charging posts serving four parking bays for residents without off-street parking. 38 C - 7 Active Travel Routes Community Description Status Type of Use Active travel covers walking and cycling New link from Ty Coch to existing route and Rhymney New Shared use routes for everyday journeys, including the Heads of the Valleys Industrial Estate to school, to work, to shops and to access services, such as health or leisure centres. New link from existing route to the primary Rhymney New Shared use Active travel routes are important for school, town centre and leisure facilities promoting healthier lifestyles and for New link from existing route to Twyn Carno increasing connectivity and accessibility. Rhymney New Shared use residential area The Active Travel ( Wales) Act 2013 specifies Alternative traffic free link from existing route designated locations for provision of Rhymney New Shared use direct to Rhymney Station active travel routes. Whilst not all locations within the Masterplan Area fall within such Improvements to an existing link from designation, a number of schemes have been Rhymney Brynawel Primary School via recreational area Upgrade Shared use to Mount Batten identified in the Masterplan area based on New traffic free link from Brynhyfryd housing the Existing Routes Map (approved by Welsh Pontlottyn estate to Pontlottyn village centre via school New/upgrade Shared use Government in 2018) and the Integrated site Network Map, which sets out the Council’s Improved shared use link from White Rose proposals for the next 15 years. These are New Tredegar Primary School to Phillipstown via School New Shared use schemes incorporate a combination of cycle Street routes and footpaths as well as shared routes New shared use traffic free link from Aberbargoed Aberbargoed to Bargoed Station. Links to New Shared use and are set out below: existing Active Travel route

New link from Gilfach Fargoed/Ysgol Gymraeg Gilfach New Shared use Gilfach Fargoed to leisure facilities

39 Rhymney Active Travel Routes

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42 Bargoed

43 D - Reinforce the role of Bargoed need for further commercial development l Site’s location adjacent to the bus station as a service centre for the north on the remainder of the retail plateau, and strengthens its potential as a multi-modal of the County Borough the creation of a ‘business quarter’ at the interchange; northern end of the town centre involving Bargoed serves as the principal town for the l Greater utilisation of the station could redevelopment of the vacant retail units north of the County Borough and therefore increase footfall in the town centre; maximising the proximity to the bus/rail/road has a role as its main retail, commercial and l Optimisation of the role of the northern network”. service location. In recent years, there have end of the town centre through the been positive developments in Bargoed D - 1 Land at Bargoed Station ‘business quarter’ concept (D-2). town centre with the completion of Angel An aspiration exists through the Metro Way which has improved accessibility, the D - 2 Business Quarter and initiative to expand car parking provision at Bargoed High Street development of Morrison’s and Lowry Bargoed, in line with the planned increases Plaza and the relocation of Bargoed Library The area of the town centre in question in journey frequency, although land has not and Customer First Centre into the former consists of a number of largely vacant retail yet been specifically identified. As part of Hanbury Chapel. However, challenges remain units, the Emporium building, the Council’s Ty this, there is the potential for provision of in the form of high vacancy rates (22.9% in Bargoed office and the associated car park. EV charging infrastructure, in line with the 2018), particularly at the northern end of the Council’s commitment to creating an all- Metro has the potential to expand Bargoed’s town centre close to the bus and rail stations. electric public transport network. General sphere of influence within a regional context. The close proximity of the stations, coupled station improvements, including a new toilet The rail and bus stations are situated at the with the planned network improvements block, are also planned by Transport for Wales. northern end of the town centre and can as part of the Metro proposals, provides therefore act as a linkage with this area. The Development Principles an opportunity for Bargoed to diversify integration of these elements provides an its role and increase other uses (service l Increasing the capability of Bargoed opportunity for redevelopment of this part provision, offices, residential) in addition to to serve as a park and ride location, of the town centre and the attraction of consolidating its retail offer. There remains a enhancing the facility’s sustainability; additional, non-retail uses such as service 44 provision or offices, possibly incorporating Business Quarter and Bargoed Station 1:900 housing as mixed-use development, KEY diversifying the town centre’s role and Snooker Hall Emporium Building increasing the viability of existing retail and Bargoed Station Car Park service uses. However, in order to achieve Bargoed Station 1 - 9 & 42 - 48 High Street this, facilities such as the station need to be presented in a positive light in terms of their appearance, functionality and the links that exist with the area in its immediate vicinity, including the northern end of the town centre.

The distinctive quality of the Emporium building should be maximised as a focal point within the town, possibly as a location for independent retail, building on an increase in footfall brought about by the redevelopment of the northern part of the town centre.

Development Principles l Redevelopment of vacant premises for services/offices/residential; l Opportunity for redevelopment in close proximity to station, to take advantage of Metro links; 45 l Emporium building as a potential location Bargoed Retail Plateau and Former Cinema, Hanbury Square for independent/artisan retail; KEY l Addition of uses that complement existing Former Cinema Bargoed Retail Plateau

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D - 3 Bargoed Retail Plateau

The development of Bargoed Retail Plateau has helped to transform the southern end of the town centre, with the development of a new Morrison’s supermarket, Lowry Plaza and public realm improvements. However, land remains at the southern end of the plateau which is ideally situated for additional commercial development, given its proximity to Angel Way. Permission was granted in 2019 for a family/pub restaurant, indicating market interest.

Development Principles

l Development for commercial use, complementing existing retail uses at Lowry Plaza and Hanbury Road/High St; 46 l Good access to town centre and Angel Development Principles l Promote sustainable natural resource Way; management and economic and l Reutilisation of existing stock; l Diversification of the town centre offer community development that support its l Opportunity to bring cinema back into a through additional commercial use e.g. cultural heritage. beneficial, town centre use; pub/restaurant; Welsh Government has identified four l Potential for increased developer interest l Potential for increased footfall, benefiting sites within the wider A465 corridor as VRP and diversification of town centre uses. existing uses. ‘Discovery Gateways’: E - Maximise the impact of the D - 4 Former Cinema,Hanbury Sq. l Blaenavon World Heritage Visitor Centre Valleys Regional Park, protect and ( Torfaen); The site comprises the former cinema on enhance important green spaces and l Hanbury Square, which is presently vacant built heritage and promote tourism Dare Valley Country Park (Rhondda Cynon and allocated for commercial development Taf ); The Valleys Regional Park ( VRP) initiative in the adopted LDP. Planning permission l Cyfartha Park (Merthyr); had been granted for office development seeks to establish a model for the l Parc Bryn Bach (Blaenau Gwent Caerphilly). in 2007. The site lies in close proximity to management of a network of country the new development at Lowry Plaza and parks, other natural assets, heritage sites Work is ongoing to assess the attributes of Bargoed Retail Plateau. It is anticipated that and attractions across the Valleys, linking these sites with a view to putting in place development of the remainder of the retail with towns and villages. It seeks to do this development plans, which aim to provide plateau for commercial use will increase through three interlinked delivery themes: consistently high quality facilities to act as a footfall at this end of the town centre and framework for the development of a network l Conserve and enhance the area’s heighten developer interest. Consequently, across the Valleys. In the HOVRA this will distinctive landscape qualities; there is an opportunity to redevelop the include opportunities for facilities that can cinema for an alternative use, including l Promote well-being through the enjoy­ complement the existing offer within the mixed-use or residential. ment and understanding of its landscapes; County Borough and further afield at: 47 Discovery Gateways, Country Parks and Existing Attractions

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KEY* CCBC boundary A470 Bargoed County Park A465 Parc Cwm Darran Common Land National Park Boundary Former Markham Colliery Rock UK Outdoor Activity Centre Treharris Rhydycar West, Merthyr (potentially) Bike Park Wales, Merthyr Parc Bryn Bach Winding House Discovery Gateways 1. Dare Valley Country Park (Rhondda Cynon Taf) * 2. Cyfartha Park (Merthyr) 3. Parc Bryn Bach (Blaenau Gwent/Caerphilly) 4. Blaenavon World Heritage Visitor Centre (Torfaen)

48 l Parc Cwm Darran; Accommodation l Its natural environment, including the opportunities that this provides as an l Parc Bryn Bach; Accommodation is one aspect that, along activity destination; l Bute Town Conservation Area, Bute Town with the wider themes of economic Reservoir; development and the growth of the l Its social and cultural heritage; tourism and visitor sectors, can contribute l Winding House, New Tredegar; l Its developing and strengthening to economic growth in more general terms. economic base, which offers new business l Markham Colliery; The Heads of the Valleys Regeneration opportunities. l Parc Coetir Bargod; Area is presently lacking in terms of good Experience from elsewhere demonstrates that l Common land. quality accommodation and this correlates the accommodation sector develops on the Activity needs to focus on maximising visitor with a need to increase the value of its local back of increased demand as a destination demand, as well as establishing networks economy and to maximise its offer as a e.g. accommodation has been developed in between facilities, having regard for the location for visitors with the attractions and Merthyr on the back of Bike Park Wales. In the Discovery Gateways in the area and the facilities to match. HOVRA, the focus of this needs to be twofold, additional attractions that are interlinked. In The increased connectivity brought about concentrating on accommodation provision the context of the wider A465 corridor, these by Metro and the A465 dualling will be for employment/business purposes as well as include: beneficial in terms of providing stronger links for leisure visitors. l Brecon Beacons National Park; between visitor attractions, but also between the Heads of the Valleys, the remainder of E - 1 Parc Cwm Darran l Bike Park Wales, Merthyr; the Cardiff Capital Region, and elsewhere. Parc Cwm Darran is one of the County l Rhydycar West, Merthyr (potentially); This can therefore aid the area in terms of Borough’s five country parks and is situated l Zip World facility, Hirwaun (potentially); marketing itself as a destination based on two miles north of Bargoed. It offers the l Rock UK outdoor activity centre, Treharris. three aspects: following facilities: 49 CCBC Visioning Study l Walking routes; Parc Cwm Darran Visioning

l Waymarked trails;

l Cycle route;

Peripheral area l Lake, including angling facilities; Wild camping Running l Picnic areas; Nordic walking Geocaching Cycling l Campsite; Deval Karts Earth sculpture l Visitor centre and café. links to upland area Fochriw Industrial archeology There are opportunities for Parc Cwm Darran to expand its role as a visitor attraction and

community resource, within the remit of Wetland Complex Fishing the Valleys Regional Park (VRP) initiative. Lilly ponds Camp SiteSiteSiteSiteSiteSiteSiteSiteSiteSiteSite Flooded quarry / It is already regarded as being a ‘centre of waterfall Industrial archeology excellence’ for the provision of environmental Visitor Memorial garden Centre Potential kiosk training with the Probation Service, and Main Habitat walks entrance Links to peripheral

this aspect of the park’s role could be LakeLakeLake area

utilised to increase social capital within the Core area Visitor centre cafe community through the provision of training Educational area Activities area and education, and the development of Campsite Entrance Boar scultpture Fisherman’s community woodland projects in conjunction Amphitheatre car park Cycling with the work being done by Community Fishing Cycle Deri Bird watching track Regeneration. Links to peripheral area

50 Concept

3.3.3 The proposal is to create ‘two parks in one’ 3.3.4 The size of the park means that it would be utilising the two entrances and developing possible for a visitor to either of the entrances different characters based around each. to enjoy all of it or just the area that is easily These are the ‘Core’ area accessed via the accessed from the car park they have used. main entrance and a ‘Wetland complex’ based The intention would ultimately be to make the around the southern entrance. The ‘Peripheral site so attractive as to make this distinction area’ will provide space for more extensive irrelevant. The site would become an attractive uses, complimentary to the main areas. destination regionally and in particular via the cycle route. Concept HLC Ltd. 8 From a visitor perspective, there is an and organisations – social contracts could E - 2 Parc Bryn Bach, Bute intention to optimise the use and offer of be utilised to secure possible placement Town and Relevant Links the park’s facilities. A visioning exercise has opportunities, in this regard. Parc Bryn Bach been undertaken which seeks to create ‘two Work is also ongoing in relation to the parks in one’ in order to make it a regionally reclamation of Fochriw Tips to the north Parc Bryn Bach is a 340 acre country park attractive destination: of the park, which could help facilitate the straddling the boundary between Blaenau extension of the cycle route and provide a link Gwent and Caerphilly, and forms one of l Core area – shop, appropriately located to the Brecon Beacons National Park, thereby the two VRP ‘Discovery Gateways’ situated micro businesses, more welcome opening the site up to a wider network. in the A465 corridor. It offers a range of information, extension of campsite outdoor activities and opportunities for skills with a wider range of accommodation, Development Principles development and contains within it a: installation of electric vehicle charging l Extension of cycle route to provide better points; l 36 acre lake; linkages; l Visitor centre; l Wetland area – centred around the l Maximising visitor facilities to a wider l Caravan and campsite. southern car park, retention of fishing market; area and creation of additional ponds and Bute Town l Development of an improved range of wilder areas to add interest; Bute Town is a good example of a 19th facilities, marketing the park to a wider l Potential for use of NRW land within century model village built to house workers audience; the park as a ‘peripheral area’, with at the nearby ironworks. The three rows of development of wild camping and activities l Development of social capital through houses are listed and, along with the pub and such as Nordic walking. The foundational education, training and working in church which remain in operation, they lie economy could be assisted by supporting partnership with the community; within the Bute Town Conservation Area. The local contractors to access felling contracts, l Increased visitor accommodation through village lies in close proximity to the Rhymney and ensure that wood is used by local firms expansion of the campsite. Valley Riverside Walk and Rhymney Upper 51 Parc Bryn Bach, Bute Town, Reservoir, Cycle Routes

KEY A469/A465 National Cycle Route

New Cycle Route

Bryn Bach Park Conservation Areas Reservoir CCBC boundary Rhymney Upper Furnace * A465

*

A469

A469

52 Furnace, the site of the first ironworks to be Development Principles the appeal of the exhibitions, in order to bring built in the Rhymney Valley which survives as in an audience from further afield. l Co-ordination of Parc Bryn Bach, Bute a scheduled ancient monument (SAM). Town and the Bute Town Reservoir as a The 5 to 9 Club has been successful in terms Interpretation work in respect of the SAM network of attractions with an extension of offering assistance to new start-ups, remains an aspiration and would better of the cycle route and utilisation of whilst future activity seeks to build on this highlight this historically and culturally existing public rights of way to improve by using part of the facility for developing important site. The proximity of Bute Town connectivity between them; local business activity. In addition, office and Rhymney Upper Furnace to Parc Bryn l Interpretation work in relation to Rhymney space will be utilised on a temporary basis by Bach and the upper stretch of the Rhymney Upper Furnace, providing a link to the Dwr Cymru Welsh Water when they roll out Valley Riverside Walk presents an opportunity area’s heritage; infrastructure improvement to the HOVRA. for co-ordination of these elements as visitor This presents an opportunity to integrate l Extension of links to attractions elsewhere attractions under the VRP initiative. tourism, educational and economic activity in the area – Bryn Oer Tramroad in Brecon as well as to increase interaction between Bute Town Reservoir Beacons National Park, Parc Cwm Darran. these areas and the role of public institutions Bute Town Reservoir, located across the road E- 3 Winding House, New Tredegar such as utility providers, leading to the from the village, is a popular local destination The Winding House in New Tredegar was potential sharing and broadening of skills for activities such as walking and angling and developed on land formerly occupied by and widening the scope of future business is served by the existing Rhymney Valley Cycle Elliot Colliery and offers extensive exhibition models. Building on the success of the 5 to 9 Route. There is potential to develop the role of space, a gallery, and catering and office/ Club and Welsh ICE in Caerphilly, the Council this facility through the extension of the cycle meeting facilities. The museum seeks to act aspires to utilise some of this space to allow route network to link it to Parc Bryn Bach. The as a mechanism for economic regeneration new businesses to innovate and grow, based route of this potential extension is set out in where the impact of visitor revenue is likely on a culture of knowledge sharing and the adopted LDP. to be greatest. There is an aspiration to widen collaboration. 53 CCBC Visioning Study Markham Colliery Visioning Whilst utilisation of offi ce space within the facility will increase the supply of business space available locally, it will also help to

Wide range of tracks broaden its base as a valuable community and paths (forming circuits) extending into asset, serving as a hub from which the local NRW land community can build social and business- related networks.

Upgrade existing path to allow cycle Development Principles access to bridge

Cycle route l Maximise potential as a visitor attraction terminates Manage woodland to e.g. exhibition space; Existing tips improve amenity and modified to biodiversity and to l Providing assistance to local business create attractive control access features and path network start-ups;

Fishing ponds created in tips SVW l Broadening the area’s supply of business Improve links into surrounding space; countryside including to caravan park and l Role as a community hub, and Core area Pen y Fan pond Develop entrance and parking. development of social capital through Create focal point and re-route cycleway integration of visitor, educational and Introduce mobile snack van franchise economic activity; Provide site information and orientation l Links with Community Regeneration Develop network of routes: strengthen cross employment programmes. valley links and improve old railway formation E - 4 Markham Colliery

This site has been vacant since the closure of the colliery in the mid 1980s and is allocated 54

Concept Plan HLC Ltd. 10 in the adopted LDP as a new country park to - Links to Penyfan Pond and the caravan - Sale of local firewood; establish a key, local component of the Valleys park and equestrian centre; - Live-work units. Regional Park. An extension of the Sirhowy - Extension of the cycle route; Valley Cycle Route between Hollybush and Development Principles - Creation of a circuit of tracks and Argoed passes through the site. Options l Development and extension of existing paths, extending into NRW land for include utilising the attractive, parkland routes, to facilitate a wider range of landscape for leisure activities that will uses such as horse riding, building on activities and provide links to additional increase dwell time through expanding the the accessibility offered by the existing facilities; site’s visitor offer, and exploring the potential network of routes; for development that can link into the rural - Woodland management, allowing l Developing the function of the site to economy. for camping, and providing a visual widen visitor appeal; connection between the tips and the A visioning exercise has been undertaken l Diversification of the local economy into cycle route; which seeks to maximise the potential of appropriate uses, based within the park; the site as a visitor destination, based on its - Sculpting of the tips and maximisation l Maximisation of the area’s industrial and woodland and riparian characteristics, and of the site’s cultural heritage for cultural heritage. for contributing to the local economy. Other positive interpretation and activities than forestry operations in the east of the such as low-level adventure play. E - 5 Gelligaer and Merthyr Common area, the only interventions to date have been l Around the core area, developing the car Gelligaer Common is an expanse of open the development of the site entrance and the park as a focal point, including: moorland situated between the Taf and cycle route. Proposals include: Rhymney Valleys straddling the boundary - A potential visitor centre; l Developing the site as a ‘gateway’ to the between Caerphilly and Merthyr County - Fishing ponds; north and east over an extended period, Boroughs, and occupies much of the Upper once the function has been established, - Small café; Rhymney Valley west of the A469. It is including: - Site information; designated by Cadw as a Historic Landscape. 55 On the Caerphilly side, the ridgetop occupied Gelligaer Common by the Common rises up 470m at Mynydd Fochriw, and slopes eastwards towards the Nant Bargod Rhymney. The landscape is

diverse in form and in its archaeological and A historical content.

Tourism In terms of tourism, the Common could serve as an integral element of the HOVRA’s offer. The characteristics of the landscape raise the potential for:

l Utilising the area’s archaeological and historical context; B l Providing a linkage to other facilities E within the HOVRA e.g. Parc Cwm Darran; C D F Bute Town as well as those outside – the G Common’s close proximity to the National Park could enable it to attract visitors KEY southwards; Gelligaer Common H CCBC boundary A. Rhymney Upper Furnace, Rhymney l Maximising the attractiveness of features B. Gelliger Common Round Cairns C. Cairn 270m N of Pant Ffosyrhebog, Gelligaer I D. Platform houses on East Side of Gelligaer Commons such as Rhaslas Pond for tourism and E. Three Platform Houses on Cefn Y Brithdir K F. Site of Tegemacus StoneTirphil J leisure purposes; G. Capel Y Brithdir (Darran Valley) H. Dyke 387m East of ClawddTrawscae, Gelligaer I. Capel Gwladys, Fforest Gwladys, Gelligaer J. Forest Gwladys Roman Practise Camp l Provision of accommodation and the K. Heol Ddu Uchaf, Bargoed

56 hospitality sector in settlements such as provide an information platform for residents Collieries, and provides a route along the Rhymney, Fochriw and Deri – this will be and visitors alike. Rhymney River in attractive surroundings dependent on sufficient demand being which can be accessed from 11 different These schemes, within the context of the created in the first instance. gateways. Common and other landscapes, will: Community Development New Active Travel routes are planned which l Enable the development of new will improve connections between the park The Common provides important economic, skills locally in relation to landscape and the following surrounding communities: social and environmental value to the stewardship and digital technology, communities that surround it. However, linking with Community Regeneration l Pengam; the landscape is threatened by anti-social programmes; l Fleur-de-Lis; l Gilfach; behaviour including fly-tipping, littering, off- l Facilitate community cohesion and road vehicles and environmental damage. development; l Aberbargoed A pilot project, Tirwedd y Comin (Common It is anticipated that this will increase l Provide an information platform for local Landscape) is being launched and will be led the park’s accessibility as a local visitor residents from which they can engage by the Commoners’ Association, the two local destination, and have benefits in terms of with local natural resources; authorities and others in order to work with health and well-being. l More effectively utilise technology to the local community and restore, maintain highlight the attributes of the Common, E - 7 Bargoed Park and protect the Common. This will ensure and other important local landscapes, to custodianship of it can be passed on to future Bargoed Park is the largest park in the County potential visitors. Borough at over 19 ha and contains a number generations. of facilities: E - 6 Parc Coetir Bargod Tirwedd y Digidol (Digital Landscape) seeks l Formal gardens; to work with local communities to establish Parc Coetir Bargod is the County Borough’s a virtual digital centre for the landscapes of newest country park, created on land formerly l Children’s playground; Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent, which will occupied by Gilfach, Bargoed and Britannia l Multi-use games area; 57 H

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H Parc Coetir Bargod l Skateboarding area;

KEY l Football and rugby pitches. H Railway Stations A465 Railway Line The Council will look for opportunities to A469 H National Cycle Network optimise the role of the park in terms of the New Active Travel Routes

Parc Coetir Bargoed sustainability of the town, including:

l Ensuring that facilities maximise the number of visitors;

l Reinforcing the vitality of the town centre, and maintaining links.

F - Support proposals for renewable energy generation and community

A469 benefit through utility infrastructure

The HOVRA is well-placed to deliver structural benefits through energy schemes. Whilst climate change is a challenge, it can also present opportunities. Welsh Government is embracing the transition to a low-carbon economy through Planning Policy Wales and the Well-Being of Future Generations Act, and has set out a commitment to delivering the following outcomes in Energy Wales: A Low H Carbon Transition: 58

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H

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H H

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H

H l Reducing the amount of energy we use; National Park and is located within a Special Development Principles Landscape Area (SLA) designation identified l Reducing our reliance on energy l Creation of a sustainable energy through the adopted LDP. Part of the site is a generated from fossil fuels; generation scheme; SINC designation. l Actively managing the transition to a low- l Less reliance on non-local, non-sustainable carbon economy; Given the upland nature of the site and its forms of energy; location north of the A465, this area has l Utilising existing services provided l Economic advantages of supplying energy the potential to accommodate a renewable by Groundwork Wales around energy to the grid; energy generation scheme, although work efficiency within homes – connecting with will need to be undertaken to determine l Community benefits derived for local communities and schools to capitalise on its feasibility and environmental impact, community groups; global warming awareness, recycling and particularly in respect of the visual impact l Potential local job creation. food waste initiatives. on the Common and the Brecon Beacons In terms of energy generation and public National Park. Any energy generated on Renewable energy can be a way of meeting this site can be fed back into the grid, utilities schemes, the upgrading of some of these objectives, as well as providing giving the proposal an economic, as well infrastructure can deliver community benefit, a means of building economic resilience, as a sustainability, benefit and would also not only in terms of improved provision providing clean growth and contributing to generate potential community benefits. to people’s homes but through greater improved health. Suitable renewable energy community interaction with utility providers, schemes will therefore be supported, in There is the potential for a scheme to be the development of social capital and appropriate locations. developed in conjunction with adjoining land the extension and creation of community in Blaenau Gwent, complementing schemes F - 1 North of the A465 networks, training opportunities and skills. already operating along this corridor and Land immediately north of the A465 consists forming part of a Heads of the Valleys ‘Energy There is also an economic benefit, as such of upland, greenfield land in close proximity Belt’, thereby increasing the sustainability schemes operate within the context of some to the boundary with the Brecon Beacons credentials of the wider A465 corridor. degree of community ownership. Examples 59 Operational and Planned Windfarm Developments in the A465 Corridor

60 exist from elsewhere of utility providers scheme on land at Markham Colliery, and is producing plans for increasing water and renewable energy companies investing also considering the options for hydro, solar resilience in the HOVRA. Work regarding in community development with the help and wind generation. Initial scoping work physical improvements in terms of of a community fund established for that has been undertaken and has determined infrastructure will commence in early 2020. very purpose. Where such organisations are that such a scheme could supply enough In addition, however, this will involve local involved in the development of proposals electricity for 1,500 homes. engagement to ensure that the concept of within a particular locality, they should be water resilience is embedded within the local encouraged to: Development Principles community. This will involve:

l Creation of a sustainable energy l Engagement through existing community l Engage with the community to establish generation scheme; networks e.g. Parent Network, Flying Start, its needs and aspirations; l Increased community resilience; Community Regeneration; l Make funding available for the benefit of l Dissemination of information and good that community as part of a community l Integration with country park practice through local schools, community fund, possibly as match funding in development at Markham Colliery; groups; conjunction with other initiatives; l Increasing the potential range of rural l Establishing links with private landlords’ l Allow community representatives to take economic uses to be located within the networks; a lead in terms of how such funds are envisioned country park; l Obtaining increased resilience through spent. l Job and training opportunities delivered Council’s portfolio of housing (monitoring through community benefit; F - 2 Markham Renewable usage and downsizing meters in Council Energy Scheme l Linking with similar initiatives and properties, where appropriate and partners to improve awareness. beneficial). The Council, in partnership with Argoed Community Council and Renew Wales, is F - 3 Rhymney to Bargoed Water Principles Resilient Communities investigating the potential for a community- l Embedding sustainability principles within focused renewable energy generation Dwr Cymru Welsh Water are presently the community; 61 l Ensuring a joined-up approach between as a result of City Deal, Metro and the council’s the council will seek to maximise use of the stakeholder organisations; regeneration aspirations. foundational economy of the area, which

l Increased community development and will ensure goods and services are procured New models of housing delivery are required confidence; locally and that the schemes will assist in to bring development forward and these will developing appropriate skill sets within the l Physical improvements to utility include: population. infrastructure. Self Build: Welsh Government has introduced These options will bring forward new G - Support the development a self-build scheme aimed at encouraging and diversification of housing housing, which will increase the range first time house buyers to build their own in sustainable locations and choice of housing available in the homes. Through the Development Bank of Masterplan area. However, these will not Despite the success of the LDP Strategy in Wales, Welsh Government will offer loans to be sufficient to address the situation delivering new housing elsewhere within self-builders to assist in building their own completely. Consequently the council the County Borough, this is not the case in homes and Welsh Government is setting up a will continue to lobby Welsh Government the HOVRA where, despite some small-scale database of sites that are being promoted for to provide mechanisms for incentivising development having taken place, many of the self–build development. housing development in the Masterplan sites allocated for housing in the LDP remain area, as well as the wider A465 corridor, to undeveloped, irrespective of the sustainability Stalled Sites: Welsh Government has ensure that a sufficient level and range of of their locations. introduced a system of loans to assist in bringing housing sites, which have stalled for housing is developed to sustain the existing There is therefore a need to provide new various reasons, forward for development. communities. sustainably located housing development in G - 1 Aberbargoed Plateau order to increase the amount and quality of Small-scale council house building: housing stock, and to support the role and Through the WHQS process the council The plateau is the result of the reclamation of function of settlements, in tandem with the may bring forward a number of small-scale the old Bargoed Colliery tip, and is situated economic improvements that are anticipated sites for housing development. In doing so on the Aberbargoed side of the Rhymney 62 Aberbargoed Plateau & Bedwellty School Valley. It is allocated for housing in the

H KEY adopted LDP, though remains undeveloped, Railway Line and is in Council ownership. Redevelopment Bedwellty School Aberbargoed Plateau of the plateau would utilise an important Parc Coetir Bargoed brownfield site and provide an opportunity for the diversification of the housing stock in the area. However, the viability of the site for residential development remains an issue.

The site is in close proximity to the neighbourhood centre of Aberbargoed and is adjacent to Parc Coetir Bargod, one of the council’s country parks, providing a sustainable location with an attractive environmental setting.

A review is presently being undertaken of sixth form, single sex and surplus provision across the County Borough and there is the possibility that part of the site could be utilised for a new education provision to serve this part of the County Borough. This would facilitate the development of a mixed-use scheme for the plateau, enabling housing to come forward on the remainder. 63 The formulation of an appropriate scheme Aberbargoed area, sustainably located within Property owners can only apply in relation to would enable such a scheme to meet its full close proximity of Aberbargoed town centre, owner occupation and the grant is not open potential, from a sustainability perspective. the A4049 and employment uses at Bowen to builders or landlords for the purposes of Industrial Estate and Angel Lane. Cabinet Development Principles renting out accommodation. The scheme will approval has since been forthcoming to be rolled out over two phases: l Sustainable mixed-use scheme taking release land immediately to the south for a advantage of the site’s location on Angel second phase of development. l Phase one will be rolled out with the Way; following conditions: Development Principles l Some provision for housing development, - Homes would need to have been providing new build development in the l Diversification of housing stock within the empty for a six-month period area and adding variety and choice to local area, adding variety and choice to the (the immediate six months prior to existing housing stock, close to existing local housing market; approval of the grant); employment facilities; l Ease of accessibility in relation to local - Property owners can apply once, l Development of a new FE college to cover facilities; to avoid landlords and builders from the Upper Rhymney Valley; l Utilisation of vacant, brownfield land. benefiting; l Providing access to Parc Coetir Bargod G - 3 Empty Homes Grant Scheme - Maximum grant of £20,000. through extension of the cycle route. Following the implementation of a successful l Phase two will involve working with local G - 2 Bedwellty School model in Rhondda Cynon Taf, £10 million authorities on developing frameworks to Planning permission was granted in 2019 for has been provided by Welsh Government support local supply chains, with links to: residential (55 units) on the former Bedwellty to fund the Empty Homes Grant Scheme - Skills and apprenticeships; School site and development is underway. across the VTF area, which offers purchasers - Local supply chains; The development of this site will result in funding for the renovation of empty homes, the diversification of housing stock in the bringing them back into beneficial use. - Foundational economy. 64 Principles l Bargoed Library and Customer First Centre term and strategic capital investment (Hanbury Chapel); programme supporting large-scale capital l Potential reduction in the number of empty homes; l Hafod Deg Resource Centre; projects with the aim of enhancing school l buildings to meet modern educational and l Increase in the diversity of housing stock; Rhymney Integrated Health and Social Care Centre; community needs. l Development of skills; l Idris Davies School, Abertysswg. The key aims are to: l Strengthening of local supply chains Whilst constraints on public resources through use of local firms. l Reduce the number of schools in poor have an impact on the provision of such condition; H - Provide a suitable level of facilities, this does present an opportunity community, leisure and education for new models of delivery. For instance, the l Ensure the right size schools in the right facilities, aligning with national rationalisation and sharing of facilities as location; and local initiatives including multi-purpose ‘hubs’ can provide community l Ensure the effective and efficient use of 21st Century Schools and the benefits, as well as providing opportunities the educational estate for both schools CCBC Sport and Active Recreation for more cost-effective managing and and the wider community. Strategy where applicable, and resourcing of facilities. This can have a positive establish Integrated Well-Being Idris Davies School in Abertysswg was impact in terms of social capital, engendering Networks in order to connect developed under Band A of the programme networking opportunities, knowledge sharing communities’ strengths and assets as a replacement for Abertysswg and and the development of transferable skills Pontlottyn Primary Schools on land within the The provision and location of community which are of invaluable importance in a facilities are of crucial importance to the modern social and economic context. existing Rhymney Comprehensive School site. sustainability of settlements and to the well­ As well as an all through 3 to 18 years school H - 1 21st Century Schools being of their populations. New facilities that it also accommodates a nursery, Flying Start have opened since the start of the LDP plan The Welsh Government 21st Century Schools unit and integrated children’s centre offering period in 2006 include: and Colleges programme is a major, long- after-school and wraparound provision. 65 Band B of the 21st Century Schools The Current Locations of Upper Rhymney and programme runs between 2019 and 2026 Brynawel Primaries and Ysgol y Lawnt and proposals have been developed. KEY Primary Schools However, these remain proposals at this stage, 1. Upper Rhymney 2. Ysgol y Lawnt 3. Brynawel subject to a business case approval by Welsh 1 Government; in addition, consultation with stakeholders will be a key part of the process. Proposals concerning primary education will be dependent on the review of secondary education that is ongoing. Band B proposals in Rhymney include:

l New build school to replace the existing Upper Rhymney Primary School;

l Relocation of Brynawel Primary School 2 pupils to Upper Rhymney Primary and Idris Davies Schools;

l Refurbishment of a school site to relocate 3 Ysgol y Lawnt.

Band B proposals in Bargoed include:

l Amalgamation of the Park and Gilfach Fargoed Primary Schools into a new build school; 66 The Current Locations of Park and Gilfach Fargoed l Refurbishment of Park Primary School Primaries and Ysgol Gymraeg Gilfach Fargoed to accommodate the relocation of Ysgol Gymraeg Gilfach Fargoed. KEY Primary Schools These are expected to realise the following 1. Park Primary 2. Ysgol Gymraeg Gilfach 3. Gilfach Fargoed benefits:

1 l Target areas of high social deprivation;

l Creation of fit-for-purpose, energy efficient schools;

l Significant reduction of surplus places;

l Estimated saving on backlog maintenance costs;

l Increased opportunities for community use and on-site childcare provision;

l Expansion of Welsh medium education.

H - 2 Rhymney Integrated Health 2 and Social Care Centre and

3 Hafod Deg Resource Centre The Integrated Health and Social Care Centre for the north of the County Borough brings together several different community health functions in an integrated way, including: 67 l Two GP practices, complementing a public sector resources to have a positive based models of more effective collaborative, continuing presence at New Tredegar and impact within the community is maximised. integrated working to support and sustain Deri; However, it is necessary that this approach community well-being. In essence, this means l Dental practice; ensures the delivery of services for the whole effectively connecting and coordinating the community, and therefore the Council will l Optometry services; disparate assets that contribute to well-being work with key organisations such as the Local in a location. l Social services day care facilities; Health Board, the ‘third sector’ and others to There are four elements to l In-patient facilities; ensure that community-based services and IWN development: l A base for health and social services staff well-being can continue to be delivered in a delivering a range of services across the sustainable and coordinated manner. l Place-based collaboration; north of the County Borough. H - 3 Integrated Well-Being Networks l Connecting community-based ‘hubs’; Hafod Deg Resource Centre delivers a range l People who deliver services and support; In keeping with the Welsh Government’s of support services for people in the local £100m NHS Transformation Fund aimed l Easily accessible well-being information. area, including: at driving integration and its “long term The initial focus for IWN development in l Citizens Advice; future vision of a ‘whole system approach the County Borough is the area covered to health and social care’ focused on health l Mental health organisations; by Caerphilly North Neighbourhood Care and wellbeing, and on preventing illness”, l Credit union; Network, much of which lies within the the Gwent Regional Partnership Board is HOVRA. Initial mapping work has been l Nutritional and dietary advice; supporting Aneurin Bevan Health Board, undertaken for part of the area and there in conjunction with the Council and other l Space for volunteering and community is an intention to roll this out, as part of a partners, to develop and deliver the concept groups. programme of community engagement, of Integrated Well-Being Networks (IWNs). Through the integration of service delivery in order to help make existing networks of from facilities such as these, the capacity of Integrated Well-Being Networks are place- facilities more identifiable for service users. 68 Integrated Well-Being Networks

69 The recommended approach to delivering between people, professionals and A fundamental change to how public services IWNs will contribute to the delivery of the different parts of the well-being network. are collectively approached and delivered is required to address the multifaceted needs Public Service Board’s Well-Being Plan. This I - Ensure that accessibility approach includes: for all is embedded in all in the County Borough’s most deprived communities. There should be more l Establishing the core offer of well-being improvement schemes emphasis upon local government working services that exist across: Accessibility is a cross-cutting objective which with communities as enablers, rather than is relevant to schemes within the HOVRA. All - Health and social care hubs e.g. delivering for them. GP surgeries; development proposals should adhere to the principles of inclusive design to ensure that A greater emphasis on identifying community - Local authority hubs libraries, schemes meet the accessibility needs of all assets is required. When practitioners Customer First Centres, provision of those living, working and visiting the HOVRA, begin with a focus on what communities housing advice; including those with mobility and sensory have, as opposed to what they don’t have, - Community hubs – shared spaces for impairments and learning difficulties. a community’s efficacy in addressing its people, community groups and own need increases, as does its capacity to J - Ensure all communities recreational activities; lever in external support. Currently, services within the Heads of the Valleys l Agreeing the role of lead organisations, are able to engage and benefit are designed to ‘fill gaps’ and ‘fix problems’, including the Council, Health Board, Public from the Masterplan creating dependency and disempowering Health Wales, Housing Associations, GAVO individuals who become passive recipients of As a result of the 2019 Welsh Index of Multiple and others; services. Deprivation ( WIMD), is has been agreed that l Review ‘linking’ roles to ensure the effective there will be a priority focus to implement The Council’s new approach to service use of resources and address identified a new way of working in a number of the provision will provide a changing perspective gaps – ‘linking’ roles are people and deprived communities within the County on building bridges with communities, organisations that provide connections Borough. mobilising individual and community assets 70 and enabling a process of co-production, The projects identified in the HOVRA have with community members as active agents the potential to provide far-reaching benefits in their own and their families’ lives. Co­ for all residents, including those living in production requires users of services to be deprived areas within the Masterplan area seen as experts in their own circumstances and the wider County Borough. and capable of making decisions, while service providers move from being fixers to facilitators. This will necessitate new relationships to be developed with front line professionals, and an enabling role being adopted.

This will require an approach to public service provision that seeks to better coordinate services to achieve maximum impact. The intention is to adopt a place-based focus, with a review of public services to assess how well they meet the outcomes required by residents, and how they could improve their impact and value for money. The role of the Public Service Board, with the support of its partners, is key to implementing this approach and it provides an opportunity to develop this across a number of key areas across the County Borough. 71 Section 7: Delivering and Implementing Change

The table below sets out the projects address the objectives of A Foundation for should be noted that many of these projects identified in Section 6 of the report, together Success. The table identifies the indicative are at an embryonic stage and, as such, the with the expected outputs that the project costs of each scheme and highlights any outputs and costs can only be estimated. will deliver and how these proposals will funding that has been secured to date. It

Objectives of Strategic Funding Secured and Project Description Expected/Indicative outputs Regeneration Objective Potential Costs Strategy met A - Complement, A - 1 Capital Redevelopment l Creation of a Heads of the Valleys l SP1 Funding secured: none to date, and integrate Valley, Rhymney for modern, fit-for- Enterprise Zone (expansion of Ebbw l SP3-5 expected to come from VTF or with, nearby purpose class B Vale EZ) l SP9-11 CCRCD initiatives such premises l Development of underutilised land/ l SB1-4 as the Ebbw older premises for employment use; l CPP2-5 Total cost: to be determined Vale Enterprise l Accelerate business growth within Zone (EZ) in Dialogue is ongoing between the Rhymney area; order to develop the Council, Welsh Government l a strategic Creation of physical premises and site owner in relation to employment required for growth of potential investment function for complementary sectors to the EZ; Rhymney, l Potential to capitalise on Metro establishing it as improvements and greater a gateway to the connectivity with external markets, Valleys through existence of a railhead; l Reduction in commuting through provision of local jobs; l Inclusion of social clauses in relevant public sector contracts to encourage local community benefit

72 Objectives of Strategic Funding Secured Project Description Expected/Indicative Outputs Regeneration Objective and Potential Costs Strategy met A - Complement, A - 2 The Development l Creation of a Heads of the Valleys Enterprise Zone in l SP1 Funding secured: and integrate Lawns of additional conjunction with Ebbw Vale; l SP3-5 ERDF match-funded with, nearby Industrial (modern, fit-for­ l Development of additional (modern, fit-for-purpose) l SP9-11 with CCBC core initiatives such Estate purpose) start-up start-up units at The Lawns; l SB1-5 capital funding as the Ebbw units at The Lawns l CPP2-5 l Better integration of business space within the sites, Vale Enterprise Future phases: enhanced legibility of access; Zone (EZ) in Privately financed l order to develop Additional space for business start-up provision to cater or via UK Shared a strategic for demand; Prosperity Fund employment l Potential to capitalise on Metro improvements through function for proximity to Rhymney Station; Rhymney, l Reduction in commuting through provision of local jobs; establishing it as l Inclusion of social clauses in relevant public sector a gateway to the contracts to encourage local community benefit Valleys A - 3 Heads Development l Creation of a Heads of the Valleys Enterprise Zone in l SP1 Funding secured: of the of modern, fit- conjunction with Ebbw Vale; l SP3-5 likely to be privately Valleys for-purpose l Development of underutilised land/older premises for l SP9-11 financed Industrial class B premises, employment use; l SB1-6 Estate potentially l CPP2-4 Total cost: to be l Utilisation of vacant land for business conferencing including determined facility and/or B2 use; redevelopment l of existing stock Additional space for business start-up provision to cater and provision for demand; of a business l Capitalising on good transport links (adjacent to A469, conferencing just south of A465); facility to serve l Reduction in commuting through provision of local jobs; A465 corridor l Creation of physical premises required for growth of key sectors, including existing life sciences presence

73 Objectives of Strategic Funding Secured and Project Description Expected/Indicative outputs Regeneration Objective Potential Costs Strategy met B - Improve B - 1 Education, This is a cross-cutting l Coordinated approach to education and l SP1-3 Funding secured: dependent social and training and objective that should training between relevant organisations; l SP4-9 on a range of stakeholders economic careers advice be addressed as part l Improving links between education and l SP11 from the public and ‘third’ resilience of strengthening the training providers and business; l SB1-3 sectors through area’s employment l SB5-6 l Tailored education/training programmes education, function l CPP5 Total cost: to be determined to meet the requirements of business; training and l careers advice, Provision of appropriate career support and foster the through the curriculum and for adults; development of l Addressing the mismatch between the the foundational skills needed to access jobs and the economy training provided; within this l Upskilling to ensure that ‘skills deficits’ area to ensure are addressed in relation to current that economic employment growth accrues l Attracting employers and improving more equitably prospects for indigenous growth B - 2 This is a cross­ l Working with local businesses to l SP1 Funding secured: £1.5m Foundational cutting objective establish networks of collaboration l SP3-6 will be available for the VTF economy that should be l Ensure that Council procurement l SP8-11 area through the Welsh addressed as part of processes invest in local firms and l SB1-3 Government Foundational ensuring widespread organisations by utilising local expertise l SB5-6 Economy Challenge Fund economic and social and putting in place social contracts l CPP5 benefit that benefit the community Total cost: to be determined l Developing the necessary skills base to maintain networks of collaboration and access funding opportunities (WG Foundational Economy Challenge Fund)

74 Objectives of Strategic Funding Secured and Project Description Expected/Indicative outputs Regeneration Objective Potential Costs Strategy met C - Expand the C - 1 Land Station l Enhanced stabling facilities, platform extension l SP3-5 Funding secured: area’s sphere around improvements, and remodelling, additional parking, toilet block, l SP9 dependent on Transport of influence Rhymney additional car new waiting rooms, cycle racks and ticketing and l SP11 for Wales commitments and improve Station parking and wifi upgrades; l SB1-5 connectivity creation of a multi­ l Creation of multi-functional business hub, l SQL3 Total cost: to be function business offering business units, live-work space and a l CPP2-4 determined hub commercial element including meeting facilities; l Enhancing Rhymney’s business and commercial focus by taking advantage of increased connectivity; l Additional space for local start-up provision; l Potential to capitalise on Metro improvements through proximity to Rhymney Station;

C - 2 Other Station l Enhanced facilities plus potential for EV charging l CPP2 Funding secured: stations improvements at infrastructure; l CPP4 dependent on Transport (Pontlottyn, Pontlottyn, Brithdir l Optimising increased journey frequency through for Wales commitments Brithdir, and Tirphil Stations facilities improvements, to encourage use of - EV infrastructure Tirphil) sustainable modes dependent on OLEV funding Total cost: to be determined C - 3 A465/ Development l Provision of park and ride between A465 and l SP1 Funding secured: A469 of a transport Rhymney Station; l SP3 Metro Enhancement Transport interchange close l Creation of sustainable transport links between l SP6-9 Framework to be drawn Hub to the intersection A465 and new employment provision at Capital l SB1-4 up of the A465 and l CPP2-4 Valley et al; Total cost: to be A469 determined

75 Funding Objectives of Strategic Secured and Project Description Expected/Indicative outputs Regeneration Objective Potential Strategy met Costs C - Expand the l Development of links with planned and existing Active area’s sphere Travel routes; of influence l Enhancing multi-modal connectivity along A465 corridor and improve between Merthyr and Ebbw Vale; connectivity l Increased access to employment, leisure, essential services for residents; l Increased attractiveness of businesses to external markets and investors C - 4 A469 Pursue consideration l Adding north-south resilience to the highway network in l SP3-4 Funding Resilience of an A469 resilience the Masterplan area; l SP9 secured: none Route route between l Increase in business confidence due to better intra-area l SB1-4 to date New Tredegar and links, enabling more firms to reach external markets; l CPP1 Rhymney l CPP4 Total cost: to be l Potential for local business growth due to better determined connectivity; l Reduction in commuting through provision of local jobs; l Increased access to employment, leisure, essential services for residents

C - 5 Former Development of l Addition of an ‘attractor’ to encourage potential passing l SP4-5 Funding Skinner’s a commercial or trade between Merthyr and Ebbw Vale, taking advantage l SP9 secured: EV Site, service-related of the site’s location just off the A465; l SB1-4 infrastructure Rhymney facility, incorporating l ‘Plugging a gap’ in terms of regional EV charging l CPP1 dependent on EV charging points to infrastructure, adding to the area’s sustainability l CPP3 OLEV funding serve this stretch of credentials; l CPP5 the A465 corridor Total cost: to be l Very close to Heads of the Valleys Industrial Estate – determined development of a regional business conferencing facility at this location could enhance the economic attraction of such a development

76 Objectives of Funding Secured Strategic Project Description Expected/Indicative outputs Regeneration and Potential Objective Strategy met Costs C - Expand the C - 6 Dyffryn Development of EV l Roll-out of the Council’s all-electric public l SP4 Funding secured: area’s sphere Terrace, New charging points transport network to the north of the County l SP9 EV infrastructure of influence Tredegar Borough; dependent on and improve l Sustainability benefits of EV charging provision; OLEV funding connectivity l Utilisation of a public car park will increase accessibility of the scheme Total cost: to be determined

C - 7 Active Developing a network l Increasing the network of sustainable l SP6 Funding secured: Travel Routes of cycle routes and connections between, and within, places; l SP8 £390k Core Active pathways over the next l More comprehensive utilisation of Active Travel l SQL3 Travel Fund 15 years, as per the as a means of integrating different modes; allocation for Integrated Routes Map 2019/20 l More opportunities to utilise Active Travel as a means of accessing employment and essential Total cost: LAs services; required to bid for l Potential to link to additional routes, such funding annually as those associated with leisure and tourism facilities D - Reinforce the D - 1 Land Expansion of car parking l Maximising usage through enhanced station l SB1-4 Funding secured: role of Bargoed at Bargoed provision and general facilities and additional parking; l SQL3 Metro Enhancement as a service Station station improvements l Enhancing Bargoed’s business and commercial l SQL7 Framework to be centre for the focus by taking advantage of increased l CPP2-4 drawn up north of the connectivity; Increased attractiveness of County Borough development opportunities at northern end of Total cost: to be town centre determined

77 Objectives of Funding Secured Strategic Project Description Expected/Indicative outputs Regeneration and Potential Objective Strategy met Costs D - Reinforce the D - 2 Business Redevelopment of vacant l Enhancing Bargoed’s business and l SB1-4 Funding secured: VTF role of Bargoed Quarter and units for office use, some commercial focus by taking advantage of l SQL3 funding may become as a service Bargoed retail and complementary increased connectivity; l SQL5 available. Possibility centre for the High Street commercial uses l Maximising the benefits arising from l SQL7 of expanding north of the its proximity to bus and rail stations - l CPP2-3 scope of Welsh County Borough opportunity to market Bargoed for office use, l CPP5 Government’s Urban with better access to external markets; Centre Property Enhancement Fund l Reduction in commuting through provision (which targets of local jobs; redevelopment l Reuse of underutilised space; of vacant and l Diversifying role of town centre, increasing underused premises) economic resilience Total cost: to be determined

D - 3 Bargoed Development of remaining l Development of complementary uses to l SQL3 Funding secured: Retail Plateau part of Bargoed Retail existing retail in the vicinity; l SQL7 likely to be from Plateau for commercial use l Potential for increased town centre footfall, l CPP3 private sector thereby benefiting town centre as a whole; investment l Development of underutilised land; Total cost: to be l Diversifying role of town centre, increasing determined economic resilience

78 Objectives of Strategic Funding Secured and Project Description Expected/Indicative outputs Regeneration Objective Potential Costs Strategy met D - Reinforce D - 4 Former Redevelopment of l Development of complementary uses to existing retail l SB1-4 Funding secured: VTF the role of Cinema, the former cinema in the vicinity; l SQL3 funding may become Bargoed as a Hanbury for commercial/ l Taking advantage of improved connectivity through l SQL7 available. Possibility of service centre Square office use expanding scope of Metro; l CPP3 for the north Welsh Government’s l Reutilisation of existing premises; of the County Urban Centre Property Borough l Diversifying role of town centre, increasing economic Enhancement Fund resilience (which targets redevelopment of vacant and underused premises)

Total cost: to be determined

E - Maximise E - 1 Parc Expansion of the l Improved tourism facility for local residents and l SP5-6 Funding secured: none the impact Cwm park’s role as a visitors; l SP8 to date of the Valleys Darran visitor attraction l Economic benefits of increased dwell time and l SB1-2 Regional and community Total cost: £567k (£55k spending; l SB6 Park, protect resource design costs) according l Knock-on benefits for additional facilities and services l SQL1-2 and enhance to Visioning Study in nearby locations e.g. shops and pubs; important l SQL4 green spaces l Development of social capital through education and built and training programmes in relation to community heritage and woodland; promote l Promoting more active, healthier lifestyles through tourism increased provision of outdoor activities

79 Objectives of Strategic Funding Secured and Project Description Expected/Indicative outputs Regeneration Objective Potential Costs Strategy met E - Maximise the E - 2 Parc Better coordination l Better linkage of tourism facilities in the area; l SP8 Funding secured: none to impact of the Bryn Bach, of existing facilities l Increase in visitor numbers to Rhymney attractions l SB1-2 date Valleys Regional Bute (Parc Bryn Bach, as a result of Parc Bryn Bach patronage; l SQL1-2 Park, protect Town and Bute Town) Total cost: to be l Developing a greater role for Bute Town Reservoir; l SQL4 and enhance Relevant through extension determined Knock-on benefits for additional facilities and important green Links of cycle routes, services in nearby locations e.g. shops and pubs; spaces and built interpretation work heritage and re. Rhymney Upper l Promoting more active, healthier lifestyles through promote tourism Furnace extension of walking and cycling links

E - 3 Utilisation of office l Increased office provision for local businesses and l SP1 Funding secured: Winding space and better others, inc. Dwr Cymru Welsh Water; l SP3-7 temporary contract with House integration of l Assistance to local business start-ups; l SP9 DCWW for duration of educational, visitor l SB1-3 infrastructure works (2 l Strengthening of a multi-purpose community hub and economic l SB5-6 years) through integration of different services and uses; development l SQL2-4 Total cost: to be functions l Retention of a locally important cultural facility l CPP5 determined – DCWW use will generate income

E - 4 Development l Improved tourism facility for local residents and l SP4-5 Funding secured: none to Markham of country park visitors; l SP8 date Colliery including extension l Economic benefits of increased dwell time and l SB1-2 of existing routes, spending, plus links to other facilities such as l SB5-6 Total cost: £1 million widening visitor Penyfan Pond; l SQL1-2 (£87k design costs) appeal and creation l SQL4 according to Visioning l Diversification of local economy to include of appropriate Study appropriate rural economic uses; economic uses l Community development through activities such as woodland management; l Promoting more active, healthier lifestyles through increased provision of outdoor activities

80 Objectives of Strategic Funding Secured and Project Description Expected/Indicative outputs Regeneration Objective Potential Costs Strategy met E - Maximise E - 5 Gelligaer Enhanced l Launch of Tirwedd y Comin, to protect and l SP4-6 Funding secured: the impact and Merthyr custodianship, maintain the Common; l SP8 Tirwedd y Comin £160k of the Valleys Common community l Launch of Tirwedd y Digidol, which will establish l SB1-2 (£128k RDP funding via Regional development and a virtual data centre for residents and visitors; l SB6 two local action groups, Park, protect increased utilisation l SQL1-2 £32k from GMCA); l Linkage to other attractions e.g. Parc Cwm and enhance of the Common as a l SQL4 Darran, Bute Town; important visitor attraction l CPP6 Tirwedd y Digidol £33.5k l green spaces Potential for accommodation and hospitality (£26.8k RDP funding via and built provision in adjacent settlements; Cwm y Mynydd LAG, heritage and l Community development through landscape £6.7k from CCBC) promote stewardship and digital technology tourism Total cost: Tirwedd y Comin £160k, Tirwedd y Digidol £33.5k

E - 6 Parc Coetir Increase park’s l Increase park’s accessibility as a local visitor l SP6 Funding secured: £390k Bargod accessibility in relation destination; l SP8 Core Active Travel Fund to local settlements l Increased opportunities to utilise the most l SQL1-2 allocation for 2019/20 via new and extended sustainable forms of travel; l SQL4 cycle and walking l CPP2 Total cost: LAs required l Greater opportunity for linkages to additional routes to bid for funding nearby facilities through the VRP; annually l Promoting more active, healthier lifestyles through use of the park

E - 7 Bargoed Optimise the role of l Look at opportunities to maximise visitor l SP8 Funding secured: none Park the park in terms of the numbers; l SQL1-3 to date sustainability of the l Ensure that facilities are fit for purpose town Total cost: to be determined

81 Objectives of Funding Strategic Project Description Expected/Indicative outputs Regeneration Secured and Objective Strategy met Potential Costs F – Support F - 1 North of the Potential development l Development of a renewable energy l SP4-5 Private sector proposals for A465 of a renewable energy scheme would give the area an economic l SB1-2 investment renewable scheme as part of the purpose, as part of the wider ‘Energy Belt’; l SQL1 predominantly energy Heads of the Valleys l Potential job creation within the energy in on-shore generation and ‘Energy Belt’ sector; wind, could be community opportunities for l Sustainability benefits of renewable energy; benefit CCBC to co-invest through utility l Utilisation of funds for community benefit, infrastructure and community development as a result of Total cost: to be engagement by developers determined

F - 2 Markham Potential development of l Contribution to the HOV ‘Energy Belt’; l SP4-5 Funding secured: Renewable a community renewable l Sustainability benefits of renewable energy; l SP9 none to date Energy Scheme energy scheme l SB1-2 l Community resilience; l SQL1 Total cost: to be l Integration with, and contribution to, the determined range of rural economic uses within the country park

F - 3 Rhymney Increasing water l Embedding sustainability principles within l SP4-6 Scheme funded by to Bargoed resilience through the community; l SP8 DCWW Water Resilient improvements to physical l Ensuring a joined-up approach between l SP9 Communities infrastructure and stakeholder organisations; l SP11 community engagement l SB6 l Increased community development and confidence; l Physical improvements to utility infrastructure

82 Objectives of Funding Secured Strategic Objective Project Description Expected/Indicative outputs Regeneration and Potential Costs Strategy met G - Support the G - 1 Mixed-use scheme l Realisation of some residential development in l SP1-6 Funding secured: none development and Aberbargoed comprising some close proximity to existing employment uses l SP8-9 to date diversification Plateau residential, FE (Angel Lane, Bowen Ind Est); l SB2 of housing in provision and l Investment in training and education through FE l SB6 Total cost: to be sustainable extension of the provision; l SQL2-3 determined locations cycle route to Parc l SQL5-6 l Establishing further links with Parc Coetir Bargod, Coetir Bargod promoting walking and cycling; l Enhancing Aberbargoed’s role as a sustainable settlement G - 2 Development of l Utilisation of vacant, brownfield land; l SQL5-6 Funding secured: Bedwellty former Bedwellty l Diversification of housing stock privately funded School School site for residential

G - 3 Empty Grant funding l Potential reduction in the number of empty homes; l SP1 £10m over two years Homes Grant for purchasers of l Increase in the diversity of housing stock; l SP3-6 provided by Welsh Scheme empty homes for l SP10 Government for the l Development of skills; renovation l SB1-3 VTF area l Strengthening of local supply chains through l SB5 utilisation of local firms l SQL5-6

83 Objectives of Funding Secured and Strategic Objective Project Description Expected/Indicative outputs Regeneration Potential Costs Strategy met H - Provide a suitable H - 1 21st Replacement l Developing fit-for-purpose school l SP2 Funding envelope level of community, Century Schools and relocation of buildings in areas of high deprivation; l SP6 subject to Business leisure and education school buildings l Expansion of Welsh medium education; l SP8-9 Case Approval: £110 facilities, aligning with in Rhymney and l SB6 million for Band B l Reduction of surplus places and national and local Bargoed via 21st l SQL2-3 proposals across CCBC savings in financial terms; initiatives including 21st Century Schools - £78m capital funding Century Schools and the programme l Increased opportunities for community (25%/35% met by CCBC), CCBC Sport and Active use and childcare provision £32m revenue funding Recreation Strategy (19% met by CCBC) where applicable, and Total cost: £4.9 million establish Integrated Well- (Rhymney), £5.9 million Being Networks in order (Bargoed) to connect communities’ strengths and assets H - Provide a suitable H - 2 Rhymney Continued l Ensuring public availability and l SP1-9 Funding secured: level of community, Integrated integration of awareness of available support; l SB5-6 dependent on a range leisure and education Health and community-based l Better coordination of distinct, yet l SQL2-3 of stakeholders from the facilities, and establish Social Care services complementary, services; public and ‘third’ sectors Integrated Well-Being Centre and l Provision of workspace for community Total cost: to be Networks in order to Hafod Deg and volunteering groups identified connect communities’ Resource Centre strengths and assets H - 3 Integrated Establish IWNs for l Undertake a mapping exercise of l SP1-9 Funding secured: Well-Being the Masterplan area existing facilities, in order to make l SB5-6 funded by ABHB Networks networks more identifiable; l SQL2-3 l Connection of community-based ‘hubs’ and service deliverers; l Avoidance of duplication in terms of provision of advice and signposting; l Greater clarity for service users and accessibility of information

84 Objectives of Funding Strategic Project Description Expected/Indicative outputs Regeneration Secured and Objective Strategy met Potential Costs I - Ensure that This is a cross-cutting l Accessibility for those living, working or visiting l SQL3 accessibility objective that should be the Masterplan area for all is considered an integral embedded in all part of all projects improvement schemes

J - Ensure all Address multi-faceted l Social, economic and environmental outputs for l SP1-11 communities needs in the most deprived communities l SB1 within the Heads deprived communities by l SB6 of the Valleys are adopting a place-based l SQL3 able to engage focus that seeks to better l SQL6 and benefit from coordinate services to the Masterplan achieve maximum impact

85 Appendix 1 – A Foundation for Success Objectives

Supporting People Supporting Business Supporting Quality of Life Connecting People and Places SP1: Increase employability SB1: Building a more resilient SQL1: Manage the natural heritage CPP1: Promote and identify major and diversified economy and its resources appropriately highway projects that would for future generations, whilst significantly improve connectivity accommodating much-needed and accessibility sustainable development, protecting wildlife and encouraging the use of green spaces to promote well-being

SP2: Raise educational attainment SB2: Supporting economic SQL2: Improve access to culture, CPP2: Promote public transport growth and innovation leisure and the arts integration and connectivity

SP3: Reduce worklessness SB3: Creating an environment SQL3: Active place marking CPP3: Promote place-making that nurtures business development around key transport hubs and nodes SP4: Improve resilience and SB4: Key sites and SQL4: There is a need to increase CPP4: Actively promote support development of the infrastructure for employment tourism in Caerphilly, focusing on the rail improvements and the foundational economy opportunities historic and natural heritage of the reinstatement of new links area and the opportunities that this presents SP5: Develop skills in key growth SB5: Boost business support SQL5: Improve the delivery of new CPP5: Seek to reduce travelling areas and enterprise housing and diversify housing across distance and reduce out- all tenures commuting SP6: Targeted intervention of key SB6: Improve the links SQL6: Improve the quality of the CPP6: Promote digital connectivity groups between businesses, schools existing housing stock through and education and training targeted intervention, particularly in providers terms of Council-owned housing stock

86 Supporting People Supporting Business Supporting Quality of Life Connecting People and Places SP7: Ensure a clear, coordinated SQL7: Refocus town centres to serve ‘package of services is available the needs of residents and businesses in order to reconnect people to employment

SP8: Support interventions to improve health SP9: Reduce inequality by reducing the number of lower super output areas within the top 10% deprived in Wales

SP10: Ensure that cultivational procurement is a key consideration in the procurement of goods and services SP11: Tackle in-work poverty

87 Appendix 2 Well-being of Future Generations

The Masterplan has had regard for the seven well-being goals set out within the Well-Being of Future Generations ( Wales) Act 2015. In order to demonstrate this, an assessment has been made as to which well-being goals each strategic objective would support. The Strategic Objectives of the Masterplan are:

A. Complement, and integrate with, E. Maximise the impact of the Valleys to connect communities’ strengths and nearby initiatives such as the Ebbw Vale Regional Park, protect and enhance assets;

Enterprise Zone (EZ) in order to develop green spaces and built heritage and I. Ensure that accessibility for all is a strategic employment function for promote tourism; embedded in all improvement Rhymney, establishing it as a gateway to F. Support proposals for renewable energy schemes; the Valleys; generation and community benefit J. Ensure all communities within the B. Improve social and economic resilience through utility infrastructure; Heads of the Valleys are able to engage through education, training and careers G. Support the development and and benefit from the Masterplan advice, and foster the development of diversification of housing in sustainable the foundational economy within this locations; area to ensure that economic growth H. Provide a suitable level of community, accrues more equitably; leisure and education facilities, aligning C. Expand the area’s sphere of influence with national and local initiatives and improve connectivity; including 21st Century Schools and D. Reinforce the role of Bargoed as a the CCBC Sport and Active Recreation service centre for the north of the Strategy where applicable and establish County Borough; Integrated Well-Being Networks in order 88 Goal Description of the goal How it will be achieved by the Masterplan A prosperous An innovative, productive and low-carbon Relevant Strategic Objectives - A, B, C, D, F Wales society which recognises the limits of the global Objectives A - D seek to increase employment by producing investment environment and therefore uses resources in specific sites and locations within the context of national and regional efficiently and proportionately (including initiatives such as City Deal, VTF, Tech Valleys and Metro. Ensuring that acting on climate change); and which develops education and training are undertaken with this context in mind will a skilled and well-educated population in an produce the skills and employment base that lends additional sustainability economy which generates wealth and provides to this approach. Metro, and the Masterplan’s role within the VTF’s ‘Energy employment opportunities, allowing people to Belt’, will contribute to a society that recognises the need to generate take advantage of the wealth generated through sustainable resources, and respects the limits of the environment. securing decent work. A resilient A nation which maintains and enhances a Relevant Strategic Objectives - C, E, F Wales biodiverse natural environment with healthy, The Valleys Regional Park and the promotion of tourism relies, in large part, functioning ecosystems that support social, on the natural environment in which it is set, and therefore protection of economic and ecological resilience and the this is paramount in its success. Improving accessibility and connectivity by capacity to adapt to change (for example climate way of expanding the capabilities of the public transport network through change). Metro, and the supporting of renewable energy schemes, are two ways in which the Masterplan seeks to strengthen environmental resilience and sustainability.

A healthier A society in which people’s physical and mental Relevant Strategic Objectives – A, E, G, H Wales well-being is maximised and in which choices All objectives will positively impact on this goal to a degree, but and behaviours that benefit future health are strengthening the area’s economy, developing measures to ensure a understood. supply of good quality housing stock, opportunities to utilise the natural environment for leisure purposes and ensuring access to facilities and services that directly enhance health and well-being are of utmost importance. 89 Goal Description of the goal How it will be achieved by the Masterplan A more equal A society that enables people to fulfil their Relevant Strategic Objectives - A, B, C, E, G, H, I, J Wales potential no matter what their background or Objectives concerning connectivity in relation to job opportunities and key circumstances (including their socioeconomic services, leisure and the Valleys Regional Park and ensuring the delivery of background and circumstances). new housing are important in terms of enabling people in the Masterplan area to access such things. However, the strengthening of the local economy, along with adequate levels of education and training to enable more people to access such opportunities, will help reduce inequality.

A Wales of Attractive, viable, safe and well-connected Relevant Strategic Objectives - A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J cohesive communities Improving the economic fortunes of the area and the redevelopment of communities key sites in line with this ethos, along with the Metro proposals, will make the area increasingly viable as a series of distinctive, yet connected and interdependent, communities. Programmes such as the Valleys Regional Park will add to its attractiveness, both in terms of residents and visitors alike. A Wales A society that promotes and protects culture, Relevant Strategic Objectives – E of vibrant heritage and the Welsh language, and which Developing the Valleys Regional Park concept and maximising the impact of culture and encourages people to participate in the arts, the area’s cultural heritage will encourage understanding of this aspect and thriving Welsh sports and recreation. participation in related activities. language The Masterplan will be available bilingually. A globally A nation which, when doing anything to improve Relevant Strategic Objectives – C, E, F responsive the economic, social, environmental and There are strong links between this goal and ‘A resilient Wales’. The Valleys Wales cultural well-being of Wales, takes account of Regional Park proposals require the protection and enhancement of green whether doing such a thing may make a positive spaces in its effort to develop the area for tourism. contribution to global well-being. The Masterplan promotes the use of more sustainable modes of transport in the form of Metro and Active Travel, and references the opportunity to promote renewable energy generation. 90 The development of the Masterplan has also Long term – The objectives identified, and footprint through improved Active Travel been informed by the five ways of working: the projects that will deliver these objectives, routes and facilities locally. are part of a longer-term vision of enhancing Involvement – The proposals contained Prevention – The Masterplan recognises the role of the Heads of the Valleys as a sub­ within the Masterplan are subject to that there are a number of challenges within regional economic hub capable of supporting consultation with the local community, and the Heads of the Valleys that need to be have been developed through engagement local communities. The Masterplan recognises addressed, in order to realise the vision. The with stakeholders such as landowners, the need for development in order to support proposals identified will respond to these partner organisations including the Local economic growth, but recognises that this key concerns and will raise the profile of the Health Board and Idris Davies School, development should be of a sustainable area, developing the economy within the and local authority ward members and nature, both in terms of its purpose and its context of the A465 corridor, increasing and community councillors representing the location. improving the tourism offer and enhancing various communities within the Masterplan Integration – The projects identified in town centres – all from the basis of improved area. the Masterplan will help deliver a number connectivity, infrastructural investment Collaborate – The development of the of the objectives of within the Council’s and an advantageous strategic location in Masterplan has drawn upon the expertise regeneration strategy A Foundation for regional terms – thereby improving quality of from key representatives across local Success (as set out within Section 7 of this life for those visiting, living and working in the authority departments, including Planning, document), as well as proposals contained Masterplan area. Regeneration, Housing, Engineering and within the adopted Local Development Plan. Countryside. The delivery of the projects They will also deliver against the Council’s identified within the Masterplan will involve collaboration between the public, private and own well-being objectives by identifying third sectors, and the Council will work closely projects that will lead to job creation and with these partners to deliver schemes in a training opportunities, promote more healthy collaborative manner. and active lifestyles and reduce the carbon 91 Appendix 3 - Assessment of Site-Specific Proposals against the National Well-Being Goals and the CCBC Well-Being Objectives

This appendix provides an initial assessment of the projects identified within the Masterplan against the national well-being goals and the Council’s well-being objectives, as set out within the Corporate Plan 2018-2023. The national well-being objectives are set out in Appendix 2, and the corporate objectives are set out below. It should be noted that many of the projects identified are at an embryonic stage and therefore a detailed analysis of the relationship between proposals and the well-being goals and objectives cannot be undertaken at this stage.

Caerphilly CBC Well-being Objectives

Number Description

Objective 1 Improve education opportunities for all

Objective 2 Enabling Employment

Address the availability, condition and sustainability of homes throughout the county borough and provide advice, assistance or Objective 3 support to help improve people’s well-being

Promote a modern, integrated and sustainable transport system that increases opportunity, promotes prosperity and minimises Objective 4 the adverse impacts on the environment

Creating a county borough that supports a healthy lifestyle in accordance with the Sustainable Development Principle within Objective 5 the Wellbeing of Future Generations ( Wales) Act 2015

Objective 6 Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well-being

92 Strategic CCBC Well-being Project Description National well-being goals Objective objectives 2018 - 2023

A A - 1 Capital Redevelopment for modern, fit-for­ l A prosperous Wales; Enabling employment; purpose class B premises Valley, l A more equal Wales; Support citizens to remain Rhymney l A Wales of cohesive communities independent and improve their well-being

A - 2 The Development of additional (modern, fit­ l A prosperous Wales; Enabling employment; for-purpose) start-up units at The Lawns Lawns l A healthier Wales; Support citizens to remain Industrial l A more equal Wales; independent and improve their Estate l A Wales of cohesive communities well-being A - 3 Heads Development of modern, fit-for-purpose l A prosperous Wales; Enabling employment; class B premises, potentially including of the Valleys l A healthier Wales; Support citizens to remain Industrial redevelopment of existing stock and l A more equal Wales; provision of a business conferencing independent and improve their Estate l A Wales of cohesive communities facility to serve A465 corridor well-being B B - 1 This is a cross-cutting objective l A prosperous Wales; Improve education opportunities Education, that should be addressed as part of l A more equal Wales; for all; training strengthening the area’s employment l A Wales of cohesive communities Enabling employment; and careers function advice Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well-being B - 2 This is a cross-cutting objective that l A prosperous Wales; Improve education opportunities Foundational should be addressed as part of ensuring l A more equal Wales; for all; economy widespread economic and social benefit l A Wales of cohesive communities Enabling employment; Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well-being

93 Strategic CCBC Well-being Project Description National well-being goals Objective objectives 2018 - 2023

C C - 1 Land Station l A prosperous Wales; Enabling employment; improvements, around l A resilient Wales; Promote a modern, integrated and sustainable transport Rhymney additional car l A more equal Wales; system that increases opportunity, promotes prosperity and Station parking and creation of a multi­ l A Wales of cohesive communities; minimises the adverse impacts on the environment; l A globally responsive Wales function business Support citizens to remain independent and improve their hub well-being

C - 2 Other Station l A resilient Wales; Promote a modern, integrated and sustainable transport stations improvements at l A more equal Wales; system that increases opportunity, promotes prosperity and Pontlottyn, Brithdir (Pontlottyn, l A Wales of cohesive communities; minimises the adverse impacts on the environment; Brithdir, and Tirphil Stations l A globally responsive Wales Tirphil) Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well-being

C - 3 A465/ Development l A prosperous Wales; Enabling employment; of a transport A469 l A resilient Wales; Promote a modern, integrated and sustainable transport Transport interchange close to l A more equal Wales; system that increases opportunity, promotes prosperity and Hub the intersection of the A465 and A469 l A Wales of cohesive communities; minimises the adverse impacts on the environment; l A globally responsive Wales Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well-being

C - 4 A469 Pursue l A prosperous Wales; Enabling employment; Resilience consideration of l A resilient Wales; Promote a modern, integrated and sustainable transport Route an A469 resilience l A more equal Wales; route between system that increases opportunity, promotes prosperity and New Tredegar and l A Wales of cohesive communities; minimises the adverse impacts on the environment; l A globally responsive Wales Rhymney Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well-being

94 Strategic CCBC Well-being Project Description National well-being goals Objective objectives 2018 - 2023

C C - 5 Former Development of l A prosperous Wales; Enabling employment; a commercial or Skinner’s Site, l A resilient Wales; Promote a modern, integrated and Rhymney service-related facility, l A Wales of cohesive communities; incorporating EV charging sustainable transport system that increases l A globally responsive Wales points to serve this stretch opportunity, promotes prosperity and of the A465 corridor minimises the adverse impacts on the environment; Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well-being

C - 6 Dyffryn Development of EV l A resilient Wales Promote a modern, integrated and Terrace, New charging points l A Wales of cohesive communities sustainable transport system that increases Tredegar l A globally responsible Wales opportunity, promotes prosperity and minimises the adverse impacts on the environment; Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well-being

C - 7 Active Travel Developing a network of l A resilient Wales Promote a modern, integrated and Routes cycle routes and pathways l A Wales of cohesive communities sustainable transport system that increases over the next 15 years, as l A globally responsible Wales opportunity, promotes prosperity and per the Integrated Routes minimises the adverse impacts on the Map environment; Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well-being

95 Strategic CCBC Well-being Project Description National well-being goals Objective objectives 2018 - 2023

D D - 1 Land at Expansion of car parking provision and l A prosperous Wales Enabling employment; Bargoed Station general station improvements l A resilient Wales Promote a modern, integrated l A Wales of cohesive communities and sustainable transport system that increases opportunity, promotes prosperity and minimises the adverse impacts on the environment; Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well-being

D - 2 Business Redevelopment of vacant units for office use, l A prosperous Wales Enabling employment; Quarter and some retail and complementary commercial l A more equal Wales Support citizens to remain Bargoed High uses l A Wales of cohesive communities independent and improve their Street well-being

D - 3 Bargoed Retail Development of remaining part of Bargoed l A prosperous Wales Enabling employment; Plateau Retail Plateau for commercial use l A Wales of cohesive communities Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well-being

D - 4 Former Redevelopment of the former cinema for l A prosperous Wales Enabling employment; Cinema, Hanbury commercial/office use l A more equal Wales Support citizens to remain Square l A Wales of cohesive communities independent and improve their well-being

96 Strategic CCBC Well-being Project Description National well-being goals Objective objectives 2018 - 2023

E E - 1 Parc Expansion of the l A prosperous Wales; Creating a County Borough that Cwm Darran park’s role as a l A resilient Wales; supports a healthy lifestyle in visitor attraction and accordance with the sustainable l A healthier Wales; community resource development principle within the Well- l A Wales of cohesive communities; Being of Future Generations ( Wales) l A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language; Act 2015; l A globally responsive Wales Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well­ being E - 2 Parc Better coordination l A resilient Wales; Creating a County Borough that Bryn Bach, of existing facilities l A healthier Wales; supports a healthy lifestyle in Bute (Parc Bryn Bach, l A Wales of cohesive communities; accordance with the sustainable Town and Bute Town) development principle within the Well- Relevant through extension l A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language; Being of Future Generations ( Wales) Links of cycle routes, l A globally responsive Wales interpretation work Act 2015; re. Rhymney Upper Support citizens to remain Furnace independent and improve their well­ being E - 3 Utilisation of office l A prosperous Wales; Improve education opportunities for Winding space and better l A healthier Wales; all; House integration of l A more equal Wales; Museum educational, visitor Enabling employment; l A Wales of cohesive communities; and economic Support citizens to remain l A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language development independent and improve their well­ functions being

97 Strategic CCBC Well-being Project Description National well-being goals Objective objectives 2018 - 2023

E E - 4 Development l A prosperous Wales; Enabling employment; Markham of country l A resilient Wales; Creating a County Borough that supports Colliery park including l A healthier Wales; a healthy lifestyle in accordance with the extension of l A Wales of cohesive communities; sustainable development principle within the existing routes, Well-Being of Future Generations ( Wales) Act l A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh widening 2015; visitor appeal language; Support citizens to remain independent and and creation l A globally responsive Wales of appropriate improve their well-being economic uses E - 5 Enhanced l A prosperous Wales; Improve education opportunities for all; Gelligaer custodianship, l A resilient Wales; Creating a County Borough that supports and Merthyr community l A healthier Wales; Common development a healthy lifestyle in accordance with the and increased l A Wales of cohesive communities; sustainable development principle within the utilisation of the l A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh Well-Being of Future Generations ( Wales) Act Common as a language; 2015; visitor attraction l A globally responsive Wales Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well-being

E - 6 Parc Increase park’s l A resilient Wales; Creating a County Borough that supports Coetir accessibility in l A healthier Wales; a healthy lifestyle in accordance with the Bargod relation to local l A Wales of cohesive communities; sustainable development principle within the settlements Well-Being of Future Generations ( Wales) Act via new and l A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh 2015; extended cycle language; and walking l A globally responsive Wales Support citizens to remain independent and routes improve their well-being

98 Strategic CCBC Well-being Project Description National well-being goals Objective objectives 2018 - 2023

E E - 7 Bargoed Optimise the role of l A resilient Wales Creating a County Borough that supports a healthy lifestyle in Park the park in terms of the l A healthier Wales accordance with the sustainable development principle within sustainability of the l A Wales of cohesive the Well-Being of Future Generations ( Wales) Act 2015; town communities Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well­ l A Wales of vibrant culture being and thriving Welsh language l A globally responsible Wales

F F - 1 North of Potential development l A prosperous Wales; Enabling employment; the A465 of a renewable energy l A resilient Wales; Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well­ scheme as part of the l A more equal Wales; being Heads of the Valleys l A Wales of cohesive ‘Energy Belt’ communities; l A globally responsive Wales F - 2 Markham Potential development l A prosperous Wales; Enabling employment; Renewable of a community l A resilient Wales; Address the availability, condition and sustainability of homes Energy renewable energy l A more equal Wales; through the County Borough and provide advice, assistance or Scheme scheme l A Wales of cohesive support to help improve people’s well-being; communities; Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well­ l A globally responsive Wales being F - 3 Rhymney Increasing water l A prosperous Wales; Improve education opportunities for all; to Bargoed resilience through l A resilient Wales; Enabling employment; Water Resilient improvements to l A more equal Wales; Address the availability, condition and sustainability of homes Communities physical infrastructure l A Wales of cohesive through the County Borough and provide advice, assistance or and community communities; support to help improve people’s well-being; engagement l A globally responsive Wales Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well­ being 99 Strategic CCBC Well-being Project Description National well-being goals Objective objectives 2018 - 2023

G G - 1 Mixed-use scheme comprising l A prosperous Wales Improve education opportunities for all; Aberbargoed some residential, FE provision and l A more equal Wales Plateau extension of the cycle route to Parc Address the availability, condition and l A Wales of cohesive communities Coetir Bargod sustainability of homes through the County l A Wales of vibrant culture and Borough and provide advice, assistance thriving Welsh language or support to help improve people’s well­ being; Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well-being

G - 2 Bedwellty Development of former Bedwellty l A Wales of cohesive communities Address the availability, condition and School School site for residential sustainability of homes through the County Borough and provide advice, assistance or support to help improve people’s well­ being; Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well-being

G - 3 Empty Grant funding for purchasers of l A resilient Wales; Address the availability, condition and Homes Grant empty homes for renovation l A healthier Wales; sustainability of homes through the County Scheme l A Wales of cohesive communities Borough and provide advice, assistance or support to help improve people’s well­ being; Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well-being

100 Strategic CCBC Well-being Project Description National well-being goals Objective objectives 2018 - 2023

H H - 1 21st Replacement and relocation l A prosperous Wales; Improve education opportunities for all; Century Schools of school buildings in l A healthier Wales; Rhymney and Bargoed Support citizens to remain independent and l A more equal Wales; via 21st Century Schools improve their well-being programme l A Wales of cohesive communities; l A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language

H - 2 Rhymney Continued integration of l A prosperous Wales; Improve education opportunities for all; Integrated community-based services l A healthier Wales; Health and Creating a County Borough that supports l A more equal Wales; Social Care a healthy lifestyle in accordance with the Centre and l A Wales of cohesive communities; sustainable development principle within the Hafod Deg Well-Being of Future Generations ( Wales) Act 2015; Resource Centre Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well-being

H - 3 Integrated Establish IWNs for the l A prosperous Wales; Improve education opportunities for all; Well-Being Masterplan area l A healthier Wales; Networks Enabling employment; l A more equal Wales; Creating a County Borough that supports l A Wales of cohesive communities; a healthy lifestyle in accordance with the sustainable development principle within the Well-Being of Future Generations ( Wales) Act 2015; Support citizens to remain independent and improve their well-being

101 Strategic CCBC Well-being Project Description National well-being goals Objective objectives 2018 - 2023

I I - Ensure that This is a cross-cutting l A more equal Wales Promote a modern, integrated and accessibility for all objective that should be l A healthier Wales sustainable transport system that increases is embedded in all considered an integral part of opportunity, promotes prosperity and improvement schemes all projects minimises the adverse impacts on the environment;

J J - Ensure all Address multi-faceted l A more equal Wales Address the availability, condition and communities within needs in the most deprived l A Wales of cohesive communities sustainability of homes through the County the Heads of the communities by adopting a Borough and provide advice, assistance or Valleys are able to place-based focus that seeks support to help improve people’s well-being engage and benefit to better coordinate services from the Masterplan to achieve maximum impact

102 Appendix 4: Sectoral Analysis

Almost 68 ha. of allocated or protected employment land lies in the HOVRA across six sites, making it the County Borough’s smallest area in terms of economic/industrial presence. The table below sets out the economic sectors on sites within the HOVRA, by floorspace and numbers of units

Economic sectors on HOVRA sites, expressed by floorspace and numbers of units (2018)

% Occupied % Occupied Sector Floorspace (sq m) Units Floorspace Units Mining & quarrying 3,285 2.2 1 0.7 Food, drink & tobacco 184 0.1 2 1.4 Textiles 623 0.4 3 2.1 Wood & paper 11,627 7.7 2 1.4 Printing & recording 56 0.0 1 0.7 Non-metallic internal products 3,973 2.6 10 6.9 Metals & metal products 1,415 0.9 4 2.8 Machinery 714 0.5 2 1.4 Other manufacturing & repair 25,016 16.6 16 11.0 Electricity & gas 239 0.2 2 1.4 Water, sewerage & waste 21,998 14.6 8 5.5 Construction 50,593 33.7 10 6.9 Motor vehicles trade 5,311 3.5 11 7.6 Wholesale trade 343 0.2 1 0.7

103 % Occupied % Occupied Sector Floorspace (sq m) Units Floorspace Units Retail trade 910 0.6 5 3.4 Land transport 826 0.5 1 0.7 Warehousing & postal 5,301 3.5 20 13.8 Food & beverage services 545 0.4 6 4.1 Head offices & management consultancies 211 0.1 4 2.8 Architectural & engineering services 1,841 1.2 8 5.5 Other professional services 2,415 1.6 7 4.8 Business support service 6,324 4.2 12 8.3 Public administration & defence 4,351 2.9 1 0.7 Education 387 0.3 1 0.7 Health 43 0.0 1 0.7 Arts 330 0.2 3 2.1 Recreational services 1,029 0.7 1 0.7 Other services 380 0.3 2 1.4 TOTAL 150,270 100 145 100

In terms of sectors, there is a great deal of at least 10% of occupied units. In terms of ‘other manufacturing and repair’ and ‘water, variety with nearly 30 represented. Only floorspace, this is dominated by ‘construction’, sewerage and waste’, both of which account two sectors, ‘warehousing and postal’ and which accounts for over a third. Other for over 10%. ‘other manufacturing and repair’ account for notable sectors regarding floorspace are 104 On a site-by-site basis, this level of variety is There is a need to highlight how firms are and no ostensible links to the area’s larger also borne out, though some sites do appear categorised within particular sectors. The employers. to display some degree of specialism (though three employers mentioned above are all Despite the presence of a diverse economic this must be tempered by the fact that these categorised within ‘other manufacturing’. foundation, it is clear that some of the sectors are somewhat generic compositions However, Williams Medical is arguably a area’s larger firms have a common basis in of various sub-sectors): better fit within ‘wholesale trade’, or all three healthcare-related occupations, though companies within ‘health’. Only one unit is l Heads of the Valleys – ‘other further definition is not possible due to the manufacturing’ (including manufacture identified as being within the ‘health’ category slightly different nature of those firms i.e. of furniture, repair of machinery and – City and Country Healthcare Group, which the fact that manufacturers exist as well as miscellaneous manufacture that does not occupies a small unit on Bowen Industrial suppliers, each with a focus on different types fall into any other sector); Estate. Due to the size of this operation, this of products. It is therefore necessary to look company is unlikely to feature as a key player l Maerdy – ‘other manufacturing’ (as above); further afield across the HOVRA in order to in the area of health and life sciences in identify whether there is sectoral strength l Capital Valley – ‘construction’ (construction isolation, although it is possible that it may in this area, and whether the potential for of buildings, specialised construction and have strong links with others in the local linkages between these firms may exist. civil engineering). area. These sectoral groupings conceal the fact Regional Context that the HOVRA is home to some key local The HOVRA sites presently support some As well as the northern part of Caerphilly employers, including Convatec (manufacturer businesses categorised as ‘other professional County Borough, the HOVRA also of medical products) and Richards and services’ which could, theoretically, include incorporates the entirety of Blaenau Gwent Appleby (manufacturer of cosmetics) at scientific-based operations with potential and Merthyr Tydfil, and the northern parts Heads of the Valleys Industrial Estate, and links to healthcare-related industries. of the Torfaen and Rhondda Cynon Taf Williams Medical (medical supplier) at Maerdy. However, in reality, these include solicitors, administrative areas. However, although Each of these companies employs between driving instructors and other small businesses information was sought from all of these, it 100 and 200 people. which offer services to the local community was only provided by Blaenau Gwent. 105 Blaenau Gwent is particularly pertinent to the complementary uses in the Caerphilly part Rhymney stretch of the A465 corridor as Caerphilly context due to: of the HOVRA. being a geographical nucleus for healthcare/

In terms of healthcare/life sciences, the life sciences, with the existence of a cluster l it being the location of the Ebbw that itself displays some diversity within its Vale Enterprise Zone (EZ) – a Welsh following firms are of potential importance, field, including pharmaceuticals, testing, other Government-supported network of eight given its role as a targeted sector within the health-related manufacture and supply. industrial sites designed to accommodate CCR Industrial and Economic Plan: automotive-based uses; and Of the EZ sites, the following accommodate l Crown Business Park – Eurocaps Ltd firms that may have some direct value in l its proximity to the Rhymney sites. (capsule/soft gelatine manufacture); developing the area’s role as an automotive Although a comprehensive, sectoral-based l Rassau Industrial Estate – Weiss Technik UK hub: inventory of businesses in Blaenau Gwent Ltd (environmental test chambers); is not available, manufacturing remains Rassau Industrial Estate – G Tem l Roseheyworth Business Park – Neem dominant which, like Caerphilly, is diverse in (manufacture of car components), Biotech (laboratory); nature. There are two potential areas of focus Sears Manufacturing (seat assembly/ here: l Tafarnaubach Industrial Estate – Nordic manufacturing); Care Services (supplier of healthcare l The presence of firms operating in products), PCI Pharma Services Tafarnaubach Industrial Estate – Tenneco healthcare/life sciences, which, in (pharmaceutical manufacture). Walker (exhausts); conjunction with the firms operating Waun-y-Pound Industrial Estate – in Rhymney, may demonstrate the Each of the firms mentioned above occupy Continental Teves UK Ltd (hydraulic brake importance of this sector to this part of the units of 1,000 sq m+, suggesting that each systems). HOVRA; and has a not insignificant role in the local

l The success of the EZ sites in developing economy. Together with Convatec, Williams Of the additional (non-EZ) sites, Sogefi an automotive base, which could provide Medical and Richards and Appleby, this Filtration Ltd (automotive manufacture) an opportunity for the development of indicates the importance of the Ebbw Vale- at Crown Business Park also falls into this 106 category. Again, all of these firms occupy units does not identify any examples of existing l Small B1/B2/B8 units – existing premises of 1,000 sq m+. firms, other than those already provided, have very high occupancy rates and that might be regarded as being currently strong levels of demand suggest that The Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone is particularly operational in the north of the County these would be suitable for smaller estates relevant to the north of Caerphilly County as well as some larger sites in order to Borough as it encompasses sites that are a Borough. complement the portfolio of stock at few miles from those at Rhymney, including Premises these locations. Again, these units could Tafarnaubach Industrial Estate which lies The JLL report makes the case for the be considered for ‘business hub’ schemes on the Caerphilly-Blaenau Gwent boundary. in relation to Metro stations. Whilst some Therefore, an attempt to develop the development of different types of units, three automotive focus of this location could of which would appear to be relevant to the provision is being made for new start-up have an impact on those other sites within HOVRA: units at The Lawn, additional provision at its immediate environs, in terms of creating Capital Valley would add further capacity l Sites developed in conjunction with Metro opportunities for the development of and take advantage of the site’s proximity stations, such as Rhymney, could benefit complementary uses – albeit without the to the station. from some level of small business unit/ benefit of publicly-funded financial incentives office provision as part of a ‘business hub as is the case in the EZ. pathfinder’ scheme; For instance, the CCR Employment and l Larger B2 units – larger sites are best- Skills Plan identifies advanced materials and manufacturing as being a priority sector for placed to cater for units of 25,000+ sq employment and skills support. Whilst this ft due to the lack of remaining, vacant might include life sciences, it would also floorspace. Some of the Rhymney sites include businesses in other areas, some of such as Capital Valley would appear to which could help diversify and strengthen the meet the required criteria, along with sites EZ’s economic base. However, the 2018 ELAS in the Ebbw Vale EZ; 107 Appendix 5: Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (2019)

Data is collated for the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation ( WIMD) at super output area (SOA) level. Of the twenty LSOAs that constitute the HOVRA, six are in the most 10% deprived of all Welsh LSOAs. A further five are in the most 10%-20% deprived. Data regarding each of the indices is set out below, for each of the LSOAs:

Twyn Carno 1 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation Twyn Carno 2 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation

Overall 8 10% most Overall 473 20-30% most Income 21 10% most Income 509 20-30% most Employment 8 10% most Employment 303 10-20% most Health 25 10% most Health 642 30-50% most Education 9 10% most Education 817 30-50% most Access to Services 510 20-30% most Access to Services 1075 50% least Community Safety 148 10% most Community Safety 71 10% most Physical Environment 450 20-30% most Physical Environment 426 20-30% most Housing 1198 50% least Housing 1059 50% least

108 Moriah 1 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation Moriah 3 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation

Overall 391 20-30% most Overall 67 10% most Income 497 20-30% most Income 137 10% most Employment 331 10-20% most Employment 44 10% most Health 230 10-20% most Health 186 10% most Education 221 10-20% most Education 62 10% most Access to Services 1657 50% least Access to Services 562 20-30% most Community Safety 863 30-50% most Community Safety 27 10% most Physical Environment 976 50% least Physical Environment 629 30-50% most Housing 476 20-30% most Housing 552 20-30% most

Moriah 2 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation Pontlottyn Rank (of 1909) Deprivation

Overall 228 10-20% most Overall 315 10-20% most Income 368 10-20% most Income 370 10-20% most Employment 122 10% most Employment 180 10% most Health 189 10% most Health 447 20-30% most Education 477 20-30% most Education 258 10-20% most Access to Services 1464 50% least Access to Services 1079 50% least Community Safety 70 10% most Community Safety 219 10-20% most Physical Environment 310 10-20% most Physical Environment 1013 50% least Housing 582 30-50% most Housing 843 30-50% most

109 Darren Valley 1 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation New Tredegar 1 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation

Overall 832 30-50% most Overall 578 30-50% most Income 958 50% least Income 768 30-50% most Employment 819 30-50% most Employment 594 30-50% most Health 682 30-50% most Health 538 20-30% most Education 816 30-50% most Education 651 30-50% most Access to Services 860 30-50% most Access to Services 1204 50% least Community Safety 712 30-50% most Community Safety 25 10% most Physical Environment 1731 50% least Physical Environment 1299 50% least Housing 219 10-20% most Housing 1421 20-30% most

Darren Valley 2 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation New Tredegar 2 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation

Overall 137 10% most Overall 246 10-20% most Income 338 10-20% most Income 348 10-20% most Employment 98 10% most Employment 308 10-20% most Health 71 10% most Health 188 10% most Education 50 10% most Education 280 10-20% most Access to Services 736 30-50% most Access to Services 383 20-30% most Community Safety 621 30-50% most Community Safety 241 10-20% most Physical Environment 1526 50% least Physical Environment 1369 50% least Housing 606 30-50% most Housing 279 10-20% most

110 New Tredegar 3 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation Bargoed 2 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation

Overall 59 10% most Overall 704 30-50% most Income 73 10% most Income 711 30-50% most Employment 83 10% most Employment 553 20-30% most Health 77 10% most Health 623 30-50% most Education 104 10% most Education 871 30-50% most Access to Services 367 10%-20% most Access to Services 1861 50% least Community Safety 41 10% most Community Safety 129 10% most Physical Environment 1075 50% least Physical Environment 1035 50% least Housing 222 10-20% most Housing 551 20-30% most

Bargoed 1 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation Bargoed 3 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation

Overall 538 20-30% most Overall 456 20-30% most Income 626 30-50% most Income 635 30-50% most Employment 381 10-20% most Employment 422 20-30% most Health 300 10-20% most Health 486 20-30% most Education 778 30-50% most Education 341 10-20% most Access to Services 1049 50% least Access to Services 1539 50% least Community Safety 297 10-20% most Community Safety 248 10-20% most Physical Environment 1464 50% least Physical Environment 954 30-50% most Housing 1038 50% least Housing 153 10% most

111 Bargoed 4 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation Aberbargoed 1 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation

Overall 29 10% most Overall 349 10-20% most Income 23 10% most Income 426 20-30% most Employment 18 10% most Employment 286 10-20% most Health 29 10% most Health 349 10-20% most Education 161 10% most Education 233 10-20% most Access to Services 343 10-20% most Access to Services 764 30-50% most Community Safety 146 10% most Community Safety 318 10-20% most Physical Environment 1613 50% least Physical Environment 1280 50% least Housing 765 30-50% most Housing 877 30-50% most

Gilfach Rank (of 1909) Deprivation Aberbargoed 2 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation

Overall 482 20-30% most Overall 177 10% most Income 576 30-50% most Income 162 10% most Employment 248 20-30% most Employment 139 10% most Health 501 20-30% most Health 210 10-20% most Education 710 30-50% most Education 282 10-20% most Access to Services 1182 50% least Access to Services 1335 50% least Community Safety 464 20-30% most Community Safety 180 10% most Physical Environment 1096 50% least Physical Environment 1297 50% least Housing 514 20-30% most Housing 149 10% most

112 Argoed 1 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation Argoed 2 Rank (of 1909) Deprivation

Overall 213 10-20% most Overall 710 30-50% most Income 156 10% most Income 913 30-50% most Employment 192 10% most Employment 958 50% least Health 267 10-20% most Health 1198 50% least Education 155 10% most Education 826 30-50% most Access to Services 1375 50% least Access to Services 260 10-20% most Community Safety 604 30-50% most Community Safety 678 30-50% most Physical Environment 1584 50% least Physical Environment 1294 50% least Housing 411 20-30% most Housing 44 10% most

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