A landmark building in Aberdare is undergoing redevelopment to provide new residential and commercial space.
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council said the development of the former ‘Rates Building’ would provide much needed homes and local employment opportunities, contributing to the overall economic regeneration of the town.
The Grade II listed building was built in the early to mid-19th Century. It was acquired by the Aberdare Urban District Council in the mid-1960s and converted for use as council offices and for rates collection. The building was vacated around 1990 and has remained empty since then, also passing into private ownership. More recently, the main building has fallen into a state of disrepair and as a result it became unviable to convert and improve without council support.
A local company took ownership of the building in 2022 and assembled a project team to undertake the redevelopment of the property. The project plans to redevelop and extend the building, accommodating 10 new residential units with a new commercial space on the ground floor. The council says the project will provide local jobs in a new commercial space, quality homes for local people, and support the overall economic regeneration of the town. The project is being supported by Welsh Government Transforming Towns funding, along with private investment.
Councillor Mark Norris, Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Development, said:
“The redevelopment of the old Rates Building will bring another historic landmark building back into beneficial use in Aberdare. It will be refreshing to see the building providing much needed homes, retaining the buildings historical character, while also maintaining a commercial space.
“We look forward to continuing working with the project team and are grateful to Welsh Government for the Transforming Towns scheme funding to help make this possible.”
The project is due to complete in late 2024.
