New town centre for Talbot Green 'to create 1,900 jobs'

Image caption, The plans include 40 shops plus entertainment, food outlets and housing

Developers have unveiled plans for what they call a "new town centre" in the south Wales valleys which they say will create 1,900 jobs.

The Β£200m retail and housing proposal will serve Llantrisant, Talbot Green, Pontyclun and surrounding villages.

Derelict sites including the former Purolite and Staedtler factories alongside the A473 have been earmarked.

An outline planning application will be submitted to Rhondda Cynon Taf council this summer following consultation.

The Valad and Scarborough development groups said they would improve local roads and transport connections.

They also said the scheme was in line with the council's local development plan.

Andy Richardson, Valad's head of UK development, said: "This imaginative proposal will regenerate and transform a largely derelict site and bring many new jobs to the local area.

"Currently this area does not receive the economic benefit from local shoppers because they choose to shop further afield.

"The new town centre will address this issue by providing retail space for multiple stores as well as for smaller specialist shops.

Public exhibitions of the proposals will be held at Llantrisant Leisure Centre on Tuesday 28 June, and at Bethel Baptist Church, Pontyclun, on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 June.