Friday 12 Dec 2014 @ 16:10
Welsh Government
Welsh Government
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Finance Minister opens EU-funded River Taff Central Link
Finance and Government Business Minister, Jane Hutt, yesterday opened the River Taff Central Link in Merthyr Tydfil which will improve access to the town, boost visitor numbers into the town and increase business prosperity.
The project is part of Merthyr Tydfil Council’s wider £24m Town Centre Regeneration Scheme, backed with over £7m from EU funds. The scheme is helping to transform the town and includes the restoration of the old town hall and the highly-successful community space, Penderyn Square – both completed earlier this year.
The Taff Link, officially named St Tydfil’s bridge, will ensure a constant flow of traffic, priority lanes for buses and better access into the town centre by reducing the number of traffic lights and establishing a one-way system.
Finance Minister Jane Hutt said:
“I am delighted to see the positive impact EU funds are having in Merthyr Tydfill. Improving the environment in which people live and work will increase the economic potential of the area, attracting investment and employment opportunities. This is another example of how EU Funds, and our membership of the EU, benefits Wales.”
During her visit, the Minister opened the link with a ribbon cutting ceremony before walking across the bridge alongside Council Leader Brendan Toomey.
Leader of Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, Councillor Brendan Toomey, said:
“I am pleased to welcome the Finance and Government Business Minister, Jane Hutt, here today to see the recently completed St Tydfil’s Bridge, which forms part of the River Taff Central Link.
“European funding has made it possible for the bridge to be constructed as part of the £24m Town Centre Regeneration Programme, modernising the landscape of the town centre and easing traffic congestion around the town.
“St Tydfil’s bridge, which is part of the River Taff Central Link along with the new road layout, complements the surrounding area, namely the new College and plaza and also Penderyn Square and the renovated Old Town Hall, now named The RedHouse. All these developments are a stark visual reminder of how Merthyr Tydfil is being fantastically regenerated and strengthening its position as the regional centre for the Heads of the Valleys.”
In Merthyr Tydfil alone, EU funded projects have created 750 jobs and 250 enterprises, and supported 10,300 people to gain qualifications, 3,800 into work, and 3,860 into further learning.
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