Riverside Car Park in Pontypool is set to shut its doors temporarily to allow for extensive cleaning and improvement works as part of a neighbourhood-driven initiative.

The facility will be inaccessible to vehicles from March 26 through March 31 while refurbishment takes place, encompassing pressure washing and drainage system maintenance across every floor.

The project is being delivered through collaboration between the Pontypool Community Taskforce and Torfaen Council.

Dyl Delaney, who chairs the Pontypool Community Taskforce, expressed enthusiasm about the united effort, noting that numerous community organisations have united to assist with tidying up the Riverside Car Park. He described it as genuine community collaboration in practice and invited further participation from residents interested in contributing to upcoming schemes.

Vehicular access to Pontypool Medical Centre will remain possible through the site’s emergency lane positioned on the right side throughout the closure period. Drivers will also be able to use the top deck for parking, which has been temporarily made accessible again via the Osborne Road entry point.

Helen Beale, who oversees property services, commented that the undertaking exemplified the Torfaen Deal principles. She explained that the taskforce determined what improvements were necessary and how to implement them, with the council providing professional advice and funding opportunities to support their vision. She emphasised that the taskforce’s enthusiasm, dedication and insight into local needs had been crucial in progressing the scheme.

Community groups such as the Torfaen Litter Champions, Friends of Pontypool and the Torfaen Access Forum have contributed through collecting litter within and around the parking area.

Further enhancements will involve installing trees and flowering plants in the space separating the car park from the medical facility.

An assessment of the building’s condition is scheduled for later in the year to determine additional upgrades, including the possibility of making vehicle entry from Osborne Road a permanent feature.

The renovation follows recent completion of a creative endeavour by Pontypool artREGEN and artist Andy O’Rourke, who produced a substantial dragon illustration and twelve accompanying pieces at the pedestrian access point, with designs originated by local young residents.

Those wishing to discover more about the Pontypool Community Taskforce or participate in future initiatives can reach Mr Delaney via dyl.delaney57@gmail.com.