businessoutlook SKY S THE LIMIT FOR BUSINESSES IN RHONDDA CYNON TAF RHONDDA CYNON TAF COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL B U S I N E S S S U P P L E M E N T

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1 ISSUE 3 JUNE 2011 SKY S THE LIMIT FOR BUSINESSES IN RHONDDA CYNON TAF

2 Join the RCT Business Club and see your business flourish Call: Welcome to Rhondda Cynon Taf Foreword by Cllr Russell Roberts, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Action to regenerate and develop the economy of Rhondda Cynon Taf continues at full speed with much highprofile work currently underway, increasing the many business opportunities that are available here. Our principal town of Pontypridd is undergoing a total transformation of its town centre thanks to a 10.5m funding package, whilst almost 8m is being spent in Aberdare to build on the strong heritage of the town and create a more vibrant and attractive centre. This is complemented by other regeneration activity being carried out by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council throughout the County Borough. This past year has seen the completion of two major transport schemes the new Church Village Bypass and the park and ride facility at the redeveloped Abercynon railway station. Rhondda Cynon Taf is strategically located in the heart of South Wales with excellent business and transport links and has unlimited potential. As a Council, we work closely with our partners in the Welsh Government and the business sector to maximise this and provide the best possible environment to do business. We have a good track record of attracting and retaining innovative companies and industries and want to continue to build upon this. I hope you enjoy reading this Business Outlook and seeing just what there is for you in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Cllr Russell Roberts, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Park and Ride Boost for Commuters Landmark Moment for Pontypridd Regeneration diverse businesses, create local employment opportunities and increase visitor numbers. Commuters in the Cynon Valley, lower Merthyr valley and Nelson area can take the boredom out of their daily journeys by taking advantage of the new park and ride facilities in Abercynon. New facilities at Abercynon train station allow drivers to drop off their cars in the free car park and catch a train, instead of dealing with rush hour traffic. Leaving the car behind has lots of benefits, including reduced fuel and parking costs, less wear and tear on your car, no long traffic queues or road rage and less pollution. Just follow the signs from the A470 and A472 at Abercynon. Abercynon Park and Ride now open The park and ride facility is located on former scrub land between the River Taff and Abercynon station and is accessed via Navigation Business Park. The facility boasts a free, modern and safe car park with spaces for 160 cars (11 disabled spaces). The area is fully lit and equipped with CCTV coverage. This scheme was funded by the Welsh Government and the European Regional Development Fund. For further information on local train times from Abercynon, visit: Pontypridd town centre is undergoing a major transformation following Rhondda Cynon Taf Council s securing of a 10.5 million funding package. Regeneration improvements will stretch the length of Taff Street, Market Street, High Street, Mill Street and Church Street, using high quality road surfaces and paving, street furniture, signage and lighting to complement existing features that are distinctive to Pontypridd, as well as delivering new design features. Paved areas will be widened and key public spaces such as Penuel Square developed to create a more desirable environment in which people can live, work and socialise, promoting Pontypridd as a major destination in the South Wales Valleys. Complementing the improvements is the Townscape Enhancement Programme, which enables commercial property owners to secure up to 70% of the cost of enhancing their buildings. Sixty property owners have already expressed an interest, with work on one scheme nearing completion. Creating a more visually attractive town centre is set to increase confidence and encourage investment in Pontypridd, which, in turn, will secure a range of Funding for these exciting projects was secured from the Welsh Government through the European Regional Development Fund and Targeted Match Funding, along with Council and private sector contributions. The work is taking place alongside numerous private investment schemes in Pontypridd, including the construction of the new Taff Vale Precinct, redevelopment of the Brown Lenox site and a multi million pound refurbishment of the Railway Station. Thanks to the significant town centre investment that is planned, Pontypridd is set to undergo a major transformation, details of which can be found in the centre pages of this supplement. For further information, please visit Market Street, Pontypridd 1 BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT

3 Focus On Business: GE Aviation Wales, Nantgarw interns for roles in its finance, commercial and engineering departments. This brings the total number of apprentices, interns and post graduate management trainees to over 100. This year, the Nantgarw plant s turnover will grow from 865 million in 2008/09 to approximately 1.2 billion in 2010/11. Sky s the Limit for Business Rhondda Cynon Taf provides excellent business opportunities for various industry sectors and is an ideal location for your business. Thousands of enterprises and businesses, including GE Aviation Wales, have already established themselves in Rhondda Cynon Taf in an attempt to take advantage of the promising business climate within the County Borough. Rhondda Cynon Taf is equipped with excellent infrastructure, technological equipment, networking abilities, and excellent transport links with easy access to all major routes and roads as well as Cardiff International Airport providing all those interested in doing business in the County Borough with an excellent launching pad into international markets. Alongside this, the County Borough offers fantastic opportunities to help you relax after a hard day at work, including picturesque scenery, fascinating history, golf courses, retail therapy, spa and leisure facilities, a vibrant cultural experience and lots, lots more. Rhondda Cynon Taf hosts vibrant town centres, some of which are undergoing major regeneration initiatives. Major retailers located in the area include amongst others, River Island, Marks and Spencer, Next and TK Maxx. The County Borough has a University based in Treforest, which will enable you and your employees to undertake further training should you need it. The Business Support Team also offers a wide range of assistance, such as financial help including: Building Improvement Grant 50% contribution up to a value of 15,000 available for external building improvements including some environmental and internal improvements. Business Start Up Grant 50% contribution up to 2,000 available for new businesses that have yet to begin trading. E Commerce Grant 50% contribution up to a value of 2,000 to develop a new or existing website. The Local Investment Fund South East Wales (LIF) is also available. LIF is a flexible scheme delivered in partnership across Rhondda Cynon Taf, Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Merthyr Tydfil and Torfaen. LIF was developed with support from the Welsh Government through the European Regional Development Fund, under the Convergence Programme. Cllr Paul Cannon, Adrian Button MD., Cllr Russell Roberts, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council GE Aviation employs over 18,000 people in the UK and has a turnover of 5 billion and this summer you are likely to be jetting off on your holidays in a plane powered by an engine from Rhondda Cynon Taf. GE Aviation s Nantgarw site offers overhaul, repair and maintenance services on a range of engine product types and associated components. This includes the GE90 (the world s most powerful aircraft engine), the complete range of CFM56 engines (the world s most popular aircraft engine), and the GP7000 (the engine that powers the new Airbus A380). Today, this successful company occupies 1.2 million sq. ft of workshop space and employs a workforce of over 1100 highly skilled people in the area. This year GE Aviation Wales has hired 20 engineering apprentices and 42 The Investment Fund is aimed mainly at manufacturing businesses, but others may be considered if they demonstrate that a significant proportion of their activity is business to business and that they have the ability to add value or offer benefits to the local economy, such as the creation of jobs. LIF supports businesses to develop and grow by investing in capital equipment projects such as the purchase of ICT equipment, website development, Through the quality and range of work undertaken, GE Aviation Wales has won and retained customers in all parts of the world. GE Aviation Wales invests in the skills of its people and is proud to hold the Investors In People Award. GE Aviation Wales has also achieved the Global Star Award for world class health, safety and environmental performance. More recently, GE Aviation Wales has been awarded with the Queen s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade Category, which is awarded to businesses that can show outstanding achievement in international trade over three years and or continuous achievement in international trade over six years. Councillor Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Safer Communities, said: Rhondda Cynon Taf is ready for businesses and GE Aviation Wales shows just what can be achieved when you choose to locate your business in our County Borough. With fantastic transport links and great opportunities to expand your business, the sky really is the limit! marketing and internal and external building works. Support is available between 1,000 and 10,000, based on 40% of eligible project costs. For further information, call the Business Support Team on , invest@rctcbc.gov.uk or visit: BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT 2

4 Are you a Business in Rhondda Cynon Taf? For further information call the Business Support Team on 0 Aberdare Town Centre Regeneration Plans for the 7.7m Aberdare Town Centre regeneration project were unveiled to the public in an exhibition. THI and Dreamy Delights at the Cake Hole An historic building that has sat empty in the heart of Aberdare has been given a new lease of life serving delicious treats, as the Aberdare Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) continues. Amy Archer, proprietor of Dreamy Delights and Louise Davies, proprietor of the Cake Hole began their individual businesses at their homes and the grant received by premises owner, Eleanor Richards Jones of Jones Battye has allowed them to find their perfect location at 8 Victoria Square, Aberdare. Proposals showing how the multimillion pound investment will totally transform the centre of the town were recently displayed in St Elvan s Church for shoppers and traders to view. The Council announced at the end of November 2010 that it had secured a 7.7m investment package for Aberdare, including monies from the Welsh Government through the European Regional Development Fund, Heads of the Valleys Programme and the Targeted Match Fund. The remainder of the funding package is provided by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cadw and the private sector. Attendees were given the chance to view and comment upon the showcase of plans and artists impressions on the future developments of this important and historic town. Plans for the town include public realm enhancement and will focus on the four key retail areas: Commercial Street, Canon Street, Victoria Square and Library Square. 3 BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT Aberdare Town Centre Works are set to begin in Summer 2011 and will aim to be completed in early The project also includes town centre property improvements, which will bring these works to a conclusion in For further information, visit Thanks to THI, Amy and Louise have been able to establish and merge their business by expanding and developing a new business partnership Dreamy Delights at the Cake Hole. Dreamy Delights at the Cake Hole is all about luxurious and indulgent treats; whether it s cupcakes or a special birthday cake, this business offers shoppers in the town something different and also provides a base for online sales. A grant of just over 50,000 was awarded under the THI, which enabled works that repaired the building structure and fabric, preserve authentic architectural and heritage details and bring vacant floor space back into use. Louise Davies and Amy Archer, said: We are both local women and it was very important for us to be based in our home town. With all the changes taking place in Aberdare we are pleased to be part of its exciting future. Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Safer Communities, said: Aberdare is an important and historic town centre for us and we are determined to work to create the right framework for investment and regeneration to ensure that it remains a busy, vibrant and attractive place in which to live, work and visit. The scheme which is funded by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, the Welsh Government s Heads of the Valleys Programme and CADW aims to protect and enhance buildings within the Town s Conservation Area boundary, whilst also looking to bring into use any vacant floor space. For further information on THI or to find out if your business is eligible, call: or alternatively aberdare@rctcbc.gov.uk

5 ld you benefit from financial assistance? businessoutlook Celebrating Business Success Businesses of all shapes and sizes have been celebrated in this year s prestigious annual Business Club Awards, organised by the Rhondda Cynon Taf Business Club. Councillor Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Safer Communities Local Development Plan Now Available Rhondda Cynon Taf has now adopted the Local Development Plan. The Rhondda Cynon Taf Local Development Plan is a document that will provide the focus for sustainable regeneration and high quality development in the County Borough for the next 10 years. Councillor Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Safer Communities, said: We are the second unitary authority in Wales to reach this stage and this is a major achievement. The plan will facilitate significant regeneration opportunities for businesses and residents alike and provide a modern framework for Agents, architects and contractors who work alongside Rhondda Cynon Taf Council are being offered the opportunity to partner with the local authority on construction projects. This scheme provides a streamlined approach to compliance with Building Control Standards. Partnership benefits include: A single point of contact Clear and consistent advice and reporting Site inspections from a local professional A Building Control Surveyor in your Design/Development team Fast response times Simplified fees and invoicing arrangements reaching planning decisions that will make Rhondda Cynon Taf a better place to live, work and play. The Local Development Plan and supporting Supplementary Guidance are available to view online at and in all local libraries, One4aLL centres and main Council offices. Anyone who wishes to discuss the development of land or premises for residential, business or retail purposes should contact the Spatial Development Team on or LDP@rctcbc.gov.uk Streamline Your Construction When construction time and budgets are tight, it makes a big difference to get quick and friendly advice from a fellow professional. Electronic submissions and e working The use of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Partner Logo Early design involvement in schemes Partnership details published on Flexible schemes for the payment of charges Close liaison with the Planning Service to assist with planning applications Fast tracked route on initial consultations Confidentiality for projects assured For more information, please contact Neil Parfitt, Building Control Manager on or planningservices@rctcbc.gov.uk Award winning journalist, broadcaster and television personality John Sergeant was guest speaker at the event which recognises and rewards the successes of Rhondda Cynon Taf s businesses. With awards for marketing excellence, new business start up, environmental business of the year and more, the event has become a way to honour the achievement of firms as well as being an inspiration for others. The winners of this year s event were: Business Start up of the Year In association with Venture Wales Winner: Cannon & Smith Law Practice LLP, based in Pontyclun. Environmental Business of the Year In association with Groundwork Merthyr & Rhondda Cynon Taf, based in Llwydcoed Winner: Eden Shelving, based in Hirwaun. Independent Retailer of the Year In association with L Oreal UK Ltd Winner: Wonder Stuff Ltd, based in Treorchy. Innovative Business of the year In association with the Heads of the Valleys Innovation Programme (HOVIP) Winner: Dragon Savers Credit Union, based in Treorchy. Marketing Campaign of the Year In association with The Chartered Institute of Marketing Winner: Bouchard & Jones, based in Treorchy. Manufacturing Business of the Year In association with the Local Investment Fund South East Wales Winner: Allevard Springs Ltd, based in Clydach Vale. Business of the Year Allevard Springs Ltd. receive their award Business of the Year In association with Markes International Ltd. Winner: Allevard Springs Ltd. The winner of Business of the Year was required to demonstrate all round achievement, a clear vision for the future, success against objectives, sustained growth and to be a standard bearer for success in Rhondda Cynon Taf. This winner ticked all those boxes and more. With ever increasing turnover, commitment from a range of very impressive and high profile partners and the ability to bounce back from adversity, this firm is definitely worthy of the title Business of the Year! Rhondda Cynon Taf Business Club welcomes all businesses. Join the RCT Business Club and see your business flourish Call: businessclub@rctcbc.gov.uk BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT 4

6 Join the RCT Business Club and see your business flourish Call: Tourism is our Business Rhondda Cynon Taf welcomes around 2.2 million visitors each year spending over 117 million within our local economy. Rhondda Cynon Taf is an ideal location for running a tourism business. As well as being an amazing location for work and play, there are a number of support services available to guide and help develop tourism businesses within the County Borough, including: Funding advice for tourism businesses via funding streams like the Building Improvement Grants, Business Start Up Grants, Tourism Investment Support Scheme and more. Cllr Andrew Morgan, Cabinet Member for Transportation, Customer Care and Emergency Planning, at just one of the many highways improvement schemes taking place. Keeping Businesses Moving! Businesses across Rhondda Cynon Taf are set to benefit from the multi million pound highways investment scheme taking place across the County Borough. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council recognises how important it is for businesses to have an efficient and effective highways infrastructure and has committed millions. This money will be used to repair the damage caused by three consecutive severe winters and includes an allocation of 2m to focus specifically on pot holes. Essential work is already underway across the County Borough to tackle pot holes and is set to continue over the next few months. There are approximately 1,250km of highways across Rhondda Cynon Taf and 10% of this is set to be repaired/improved through this funding, making this the largest highways repairs programme that has been undertaken for almost a decade. All these improvements will result in Rhondda Cynon Taf offering its businesses an improved highways infrastructure. This is vital for businesses in the area as it will ensure that their deliveries, customers, clients and employees get to their destinations on time to do business. Rhondda Cynon Taf is the second largest County Borough in Wales and has an excellent road infrastructure in place and a strong commitment from the local authority to ensure businesses and their customers can get around easily and quickly. With recent major investments in infrastructure such as the Church Village Bypass and the Porth Relief Road, there has never been a better time to relocate your business to the area. Advice and guidance on training opportunities, quality assurances such as Visit Wales Grading Scheme, local networks for information sharing and cluster working. Advice and support on marketing and promotion opportunities, many of which are free to tourism businesses. Signposting and guidance for tourism signage applications. All work and no play makes business life well, a bit dull really and in Rhondda Cynon Taf we have lots of ways to add some excitement to the working day. Our esteemed attractions include breathtaking countryside parks stretching over hundreds of acres where you can walk, cycle, explore the visitor centre and even stay the night at the camping and caravan site or 3 star guest accommodation. Why not take a trip back in time as a miner at the Rhondda Heritage Park Mining Museum or peruse the beautiful art and craft collections in our many galleries? Our spectacular events draw in thousands from afar to see popular acts like JLS or quietly admire the performances of famous artists at our theatres. We also have an excellent selection of conference facilities ranging from traditional conference venues to the more unique. There really is something for everyone! To find out more about work, rest and play in Rhondda Cynon Taf, contact the Strategy, Public Relations and Tourism team by ing tourismenquiry@rctcbc.gov.uk or visit: opment 5 BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT

7 Expanding Your Business If your business is looking to expand its premises by carrying out a new build development or extension, you may need planning permission. The Council s Development Control team is here to help you. The team offer businesses a one stop shop of advice and guidance. The Council encourages preapplication discussions on all forms of developments and can also provide advice and guidance on other requirements including Building Regulations. For more information, call: or planningservices@rctcbc.gov.uk Get ready for the Big Weekend It s the news that businesses in Rhondda Cynon Taf have been waiting for Ponty s Big Weekend WILL be returning this summer! The Council is proud to announce that hot new talent The Wanted and Britain s Got Talent Winner Paul Potts are set to take the town by storm on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, performing for crowds in the stunning Ynysangharad War Memorial Park. The thousands of visitors that flock to the town every year to see hit artists has lead to increased profits for businesses in the area and a higher footfall in Pontypridd town centre. Local hotels and bed and breakfast venues have also benefited from the increased tourism the event brings to the town. It is estimated that the average spend of each person attending an event of this kind is 40. That s a whopping 400,000 income for Pontypridd and the surrounding area, based on an audience of 10,000. businesses and local residents alike will benefit from the opportunities this flagship weekend presents. As in previous years the event will deliver a significant economic boost for the local economy in and around Pontypridd. Costain are supporting the regeneration of Pontypridd town centre and are an official sponsor of Ponty s Big Weekend If you would like more information on how you or your business could benefit from the Big Weekend, please call or visit: Doing Good Business It wasn't so long ago that 'doing good' and 'doing good business' were considered to be completely incompatible. But things have changed, and for the better Many commercial businesses would consider themselves to have social objectives, but social enterprises are distinctive because their social or environmental purpose is central to what they do. Rather than maximising shareholder value their main aim is to generate profit to further their social and environmental goals. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council realises the importance of Social Enterprise and through the South East Wales Community Economic Development (SEWCED) Programme is helping new and existing social enterprises to succeed. The 2009 Annual Survey of Small Businesses UK found that there are 62,000 social enterprises in the UK with a combined turnover of 24 billion. Social Enterprise is one of the major initiatives for the Council s Regeneration and Planning Division and so far this year it has provided almost 288,294 grant assistance to four worthwhile projects in the County Borough. If you would like further information or feel your Social Enterprise would benefit from financial assistance, please contact the Regeneration, Resources and Performance Management Team on or regen@rctcbc.gov.uk Christian Hanagan, Head of Strategy, Public Relations and Tourism for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: Ponty s Big Weekend has become a significant event in Welsh musical event calendars. Just as important for raising the profile of Rhondda Cynon Taf and all it has to offer to the rest of the UK, Ponty s Big Weekend is also vital for the ongoing regeneration of the area and we hope PONTY S BIG WEEKEND 2011 PENWYTHNOS MAWR PONTY BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT 6

8 Are you a Business in Rhondda Cynon Taf? For further information call the Business Support Team on 0 Pontypridd set for 75m transformation 75 miliwn i weddnewid Pontypridd The regeneration plans for Pontypridd town centre are set to deliver one of the biggest town centre investment packages ever seen in the South Wales Valleys. Bydd cynlluniau adfywio Pontypridd yn esgor ar un o'r pecynnau buddsoddi canol tref mwyaf erioed yng Nghymoedd y De. 1 1 Public and private sector led schemes will transform the Valleys town, creating countless employment opportunities for the area. The significant level of investment reflects the fantastic opportunities the town presents; a pivotal transport hub to surrounding communities, a home to beautiful natural assets such as Ynysangharad Park, and an urban centre with countless economic opportunities. The mix of private and public sector investment exceeding 75m has already started to transform Pontypridd for the better. Bydd y sectorau cyhoeddus a phreifat fel ei gilydd yn arwain cynlluniau i drawsffurfio'r dref a chreu cyfleoedd cyflogaeth niferus iddi hi ac i'r Cymoedd cyfagos. Mae'r buddsoddi sylweddol yma n adlewyrchu'r cyfleoedd gwych sy ar gael ym Mhontypridd. Dyma ganolbwynt trafnidiaeth allweddol i'r cymunedau cyfagos, asedau naturiol hardd megis Parc Ynysangharad, a chanolfan drefol yn llawn cyfleoedd economaidd. Mae buddsoddi 75m gan y sectorau preifat a chyhoeddus fel ei gilydd eisoes wedi dechrau gweddnewid Pontypridd er gwell. Investment of 10.5 million is transforming Pontypridd including streetscape improvements to create a modern, welcoming and highly attractive town centre. Quality materials and street furniture will create a desirable environment for local residents and visitors to the town. Works are to take place throughout the town centre. Mae canol tref Pontypridd eisoes wedi gwella'n aruthrol yn sgîl buddsoddi 10.5m. Mae gwella'r strydlun wedi creu tref fodern, groesawgar, a hynod ddeniadol. Bydd deunyddiau, a dodrefn a chelfi stryd, o ansawdd uchel yn creu amgylchedd dymunol i'r trigolion ac i ymwelwyr fel ei gilydd. Bydd gwaith yn mynd rhagddo ym mhob rhan o ganol y dref Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Kicks off 10.5m regeneration scheme for Pontypridd Cyngor Rhondda Cynon Taf yn bwrw ymlaen â chynllun adfywio 10.5m ar gyfer Pontypridd As part of the 10.5 million investment, a fund has been set up to revitalise the town s buildings, giving commercial properties a much needed boost and the opportunity to create a highly attractive townscape and retail experience. Works are to take place throughout the town centre. Un rhan bwysig o'r buddsoddiad 10.5m yw sefydlu cronfa ar gyfer adfywio adeiladau'r dref. Bydd hyn yn rhoi hwb angenrheidiol iawn i eiddo masnachol. Dyma gyfle i greu trefwedd a phrofiad adwerthu sy'n ddeniadol iawn. Bydd gwaith yn mynd rhagddo ym mhob rhan o ganol y dref. Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales are currently developing a major scheme to improve Pontypridd station. This scheme aims to refurbish the station, significantly improving the station environment and passengers experience. Mae Network Rail a Threnau Arriva Cymru yn datblygu cynllun sylweddol i wella Gorsaf Pontypridd. Nod y cynllun hwn yw adnewyddu'r orsaf, a gwella amgylchedd yr orsaf a phrofiad y teithwyr yn sylweddol. 7 BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT

9 ld you benefit from financial assistance? businessoutlook The town s unique 1920s listed lido has been given a much needed boost following a 75,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The investment will allow plans to be developed, and the feasibility of a full restoration to be explored. The town s Gas Road car park has been upgraded through a 180,000 investment from the Council. The enhanced car park will provide a greater number of disabled spaces and uplift the area s appearance to regular users and occasional visitors. Demolition of the dated 1960s precinct has commenced, in preparation for a 6m 70,000 sq ft retail development, providing a variety of large, modern retail units, giving an opportunity for major retailers to have a presence within the town. Plans for a new Sainsbury s to be built on the Brown Lenox site have been given the green light by the Council. The capital investment of 50 million will contribute to the town s regeneration, creating between jobs. Mawr oedd y croeso i grant o 75,000 i lido rhestredig enwog y dref gan Gronfa Treftadaeth y Loteri. Yn sgîl y buddsoddiad hwn fe fydd modd datblygu cynlluniau, ac ymchwilio i bosibiliadau adferiad llwyr. Yn sgîl buddsoddiad o 180,000 gan y Cyngor, mae maes parcio'r dref ger Gas Road wedi cael ei uwchraddio. Bydd y maes parcio ar ei newydd wedd yn darparu nifer fwy o fannau parcio anabl, ac yn gwella'r golwg sydd ar yr ardal i'r defnyddwyr rheolaidd ac i ymwelwyr achlysurol fel ei gilydd. Roedd y ganolfan siopa y Precinct a godwyd yn y Chwedegau wedi dechrau dirywio, ac mae'r gwaith dymchwel eisoes wedi cychwyn. Bydd lle wedyn i adeiladu datblygiad manwerthu 70,000 troedfedd sgwâr ar gost o 6m. Tu fewn i hwn bydd amrywiaeth o unedau manwerthu mawr, modern, yn rhoi cyfle i'r prif fanwerthwyr gael troed yn y dref. Mae cynlluniau cwmni Sainsbury i adeiladu siop newydd ar safle ffatri Brown Lenox wedi cael caniatâd. Bydd y buddsoddiad cyfalaf yma o 50m yn cyfrannu at adfywiad y dref ac yn creu rhyw o swyddi. BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT 8