Bargoed community scheme reaches key stage

The first phase of the £30m Greater Bargoed Community Regeneration Scheme in South Wales has been completed.

The scheme involves the removal of traffic from the congested main streets of Bargoed by construction of a 3km relief road - Angel Way - which enables traffic to bypass the town while providing access to a new retail development, part of a major regeneration package for the former coal mining community. 

The Welsh Assembly Government’s Deputy First Minister - Ieuan Wyn Jones AM - and the town’s Mayor - Cllr John Evans - attended an official event to celebrate completion of the Angel Way bypass and Retail Development Plateau.

Capita Symonds is providing a full range of consultancy services including design, project management, construction supervision and contract administration while a Hochtief Griffiths Joint Venture is the main contractor on behalf of client Caerphilly County Borough Council (CCBC). The ambitious project comprises four major engineering elements -

1) The Rhymney River Bridge: Featuring a graceful concrete arch design, this 130 metre long bridge forms a landmark structure that sympathetically reflects its location in a country park. The bridge reaches a full height of 24 metres above the valley floor where it crosses the Rhymney River. 

2) Bargoed Newydd Viaduct: The 200 metre viaduct traverses the valley connecting the new road with the retail plateau and providing access to the southern end of the town. The elegantly curving structure comprises three metre deep beams supported on circular columns and is the principal new cross valley link between the communities of Gilfach, Bargoed and Aberbargoed.

3) The Railway Tunnel: A new 150 metre long tunnel has been constructed at the end of the existing railway station. The span of the tunnel is 13 metres and, with the adjacent retaining walls, it will provide support for a new Bus Station and nearby Roundabout. 

4) Retail Development Plateau: A 2.2 hectare retail plateau has been constructed from spoil material excavated from the former Bargoed Colliery tip. At 300 metres long and up 20m high, it is believed to be the largest tiered, reinforced embankment of its type in the UK. 

The Angel Way road scheme is funded with by Welsh Assembly Transport Grant while the Retail Plateau is funded through Regeneration Grant, also provided by the Assembly Government

Cllr Lindsay Whittle, Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “The regeneration of local communities is a key priority for Caerphilly County Borough Council and Bargoed is one of our main commitments. Therefore I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of this historic event that signals an exciting new future for Bargoed. The scheme is a true partnership success story involving the public and private sectors and, most importantly, the local community.”

Ian Smith, Project Manager, Capita Symonds, said "This has been an extremely challenging project which will play a vital role in regenerating the local area by providing integrated transport links. The first phase of the project to provide the transport infrastructure and retail development plateau is now complete   and design work already underway on the next phase to rejuvenate the town centre and provide a new pedestrian link to the bus station. The project will revitalise civic pride in the town with the prospect of the new development bringing many new employment opportunities.”

Picture Shows : Cllr Lindsay Whittle, Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council; Welsh Assembly Government’s Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones AM; Cllr Ron Davies, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Countryside, Caerphilly County Borough Council.