May 2012
Pontardawe public realm takes shape
The Town Centre of Pontardawe in the Swansea Valley is currently undergoing extensive public realm improvements. The revitalisation of Herbert Street is almost complete and the positive visual impact of the public realm improvements is already evident.
This is particularly satisfying for The Urbanists as the public realm improvements were a key project in the Regeneration Strategy we prepared for the Town Centre in 2009. As part of the strategy we prepared concept public realm designs for Herbert Street which included the creation of ‘Herbert Square’ in the heart of the town outside Pontardawe Arts Centre. Our vision for the square was for the creation of a shared space arrangement which gave greater priority to pedestrians and created a much greater sense of place and identity for the town.
We are delighted that our concept has been translated by Atkins into detailed design and implemented by Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council so robustly. The introduction of natural pennant stone has given a high quality finish to the town and helped brighten the town centre whilst creating more useable and flexible spaces.
Herbert Square before
The Urbanists vision for Herbert Square
The implemented public realm
