A PROPOSED STRATEGY TO REGENERATE & DEVELOP TALGARTH ...€¦ · INTRODUCTION . This proposal is a...

A PROPOSED STRATEGY TO REGENERATE & DEVELOP

TALGARTH & DISTRICT FOR THE COMMUNITY’S BENEFIT

by:

TALGARTH & DISTRICT REGENERATION GROUP

REGENERATING & DEVELOPING TALGARTH - A PROPOSAL

©Copyright 2016 - Talgarth & District Regeneration Group. All rights reserved

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INTRODUCTION

This proposal is a starting point.

A starting point to generate a living document, developed with the considerable input of the local community, to illustrate and

explain the community’s strategic plan for the development of Talgarth and its surrounding district.

VERSION 13 - 09.11.2016 (PE)



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CONTENTS

SUBJECT PAGE NUMBER

Background 4 Objectives 8 Team Talgarth 9 The Vision 10 Project 1 - Talgarth Riverside (River Enigg Catchment) 11 Project 2 - Enhancing Talgarth Town Buildings 13 Project 3 - Pop-up Shop 14 Project 4 - Mid-Wales Hospital Site 15 Project 5 - Putting Talgarth on the Map (Town Entrance Enhancement) 16 Project 6 - Redundant PCC Site (Between Orion Motors & Cattle Market) 17 Project 7 - Regent Street Building Site 18 Project 8 - Smart, Neat, Safe & Aesthetically Pleasing 19 Further Projects for Consideration 20 Funding 21 Priorities 22 Conclusion 23 Next Steps 24 APPENDIX 1 - Map of Talgarth & District 25 2 - Map of Talgarth Town 26 3 - Talgarth & District demographic model 27 4 - Talgarth & District Organisations, Groups and Clubs 30 5 - Talgarth Sports & Health Clubs & Organisations 31 6 - Partner Organisations 32 7 - District Refreshment Facilities 33



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BACKGROUND

Talgarth is the north-eastern gateway to the Brecon Beacons National Park and defines the north-western frontier to the dramatic

Black Mountains.

A small market town in Mid-Wales, part of the historic county of Powys, close to the English border and located within the

catchment of both the River Wye and River Usk. The town is within an hour’s drive of Abergavenny, Monmouth, Cardiff and

Newport. Swansea and Port Talbot are less than an hour and a quarter away as are the English cities of Bristol and Hereford.

With strong connections to pre-history and having well established trading links with the surrounding area for many centuries,

Talgarth is now a growing centre for tourism and enjoys an outstanding scenic environment.

A 13th century Peel Tower, a relatively simple fortification for settlements unable to sustain a castle at the time, still stands ‘en

garde’ close by the stone bridge over the River Enigg at the centre of town. St Gwendoline’s, the lovely fourteenth century parish

church, one of two in the area dedicated to St Gwendoline, eleventh daughter of Brychan Brycheiniog, the legendary 5th-century

king of the region for which Talgarth is thought to have been the capital.

With a strong sense of community there are over 40 locally based organisations centred on cultural, sporting, musical and

heritage topics. Other organisations concentrate on regenerating the town, encouraging enterprise and organising the annual

Festival.

The community is supportive and caring, having suffered a substantial economic decline following the closure of the Mid-Wales

Hospital, the major employer in the area, in 1999.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Market_town



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In late 2007, the town bypass (A479 Talgarth Relief Road & Bronllys Bypass) opened to the benefit of thousands of motorists and

truck drivers. The town hoped for new commercial developments to bring new business and employment opportunities. But the

global economic crisis of 2007/8 and its aftermath destroyed any immediate hope of regenerating the town.

Now, nearly a decade later, there are visible green shoots of economic recovery for the town.

Talgarth & District comprises thirteen separate communities:

1. Bronllys

2. Felindre

3. Llandefalle

4. Llanelieu

5. Llanfilo

6. Llyswen

7. Pengenffordd

8. Sorgwm

9. Talgarth

10. Three Cocks

11. Trefecca

12. Trefeinon

13. Waun Fach

The Talgarth & District map is visualised at: Appendix 1 - page 25.



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POPULATION PROFILE

According to the 2011 census, growing again after a period of decline, the Talgarth population now stands at 1724.

The shape of the Talgarth and district community is diverse and intricate with a considerable influx of residents from the Welsh

valleys and from over the English border in recent years.

A detailed demographic profile of Talgarth & District appears at Appendix 3 on page 27. In summary, following the

2011 census, the statistical data identified with the area includes:

• The total population of 1,724 demonstrates a 4.8% upward trend from the previous census of 1,645 in 2001, compared with

an upward trends of 5.1% in Powys and just 0.03% across Wales over the same period.

• It has yet to be ascertained if the percentage of children and/or the disabled is increasing or decreasing.

MID-WALES HOSPITAL

Originally opened in 1903 as the Brecon and Radnor Joint Counties Lunatic Asylum, the facility was dedicated to treating patients

from the counties of Brecknockshire, Radnorshire and, after World War II, Montgomeryshire. The 'asylum' was extended and

renamed the "Mid-Wales Counties Mental Hospital" before the commencement of World War II.

The facility finally closed in April 2000 with the loss of some 500 jobs that had a devastating impact on the Talgarth community.

The main buildings, outstanding examples of late Victorian public works architecture, have been vandalised and stripped of

valuable assets over the past fifteen years.

Recovery from this episode was severely hampered due to the fall-out from the global economic crisis of 2007/8 and it is only

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brecknockshire

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radnorshire



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in 2016 that the community sees opportunities to re-invigorate the town and start to plan for the future.

TALGARTH MILL & BAKER’S TABLE

The watermill, restored in 2011 as part of the BBC's “Village SOS” TV programme, is a thriving community enterprise at the heart

of the town, offering stone-ground flour milled on site from locally grown grains. On the same site is the Baker’s Table producing

freshly baked artisan bread using the mill’s flour and offering locally sourced foods in the coffee shop.



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OBJECTIVES

PRIMARY - To recognise the qualities and strengths of the Talgarth & District community ensuring all within the community are

empowered to actively contribute to the plan and engage with it.

SUPPLEMENTARY

1. To include all people of Talgarth and District in their quest to live, to work and to spend their leisure within the community

2. To act as a catalyst for defining the community’s vision for the future of Talgarth & District

3. To make a positive difference to people’s lives within the wider Talgarth & District community

4. To provide the community with a strategic plan for developing appropriate facilities within Talgarth & District

5. To encourage project funding opportunities through a professional, businesslike and thorough approach

6. To reduce soil erosion, water run-off and flooding within Talgarth & District as a matter of priority

7. To make the very best of the resources in the community

8. To facilitate the integration of all elements of the community into a cohesive whole

9. To promote Talgarth & District as a centre for tourism and leisure

10. To signal that Talgarth and District is open for business by encouraging new business and employment opportunities

11. To transform the River Enigg from being a threat to the community to becoming a vibrant neighbourhood asset

12. To combine the agricultural, historical and cultural heritage of Talgarth and District with good design and aesthetic

considerations

13. To encourage aspirational and inspirational projects

14. To assist and demonstrate accord by the diversity of the Talgarth & District community

15. To deliver prosperity and a sense of well-being to the Talgarth & District community



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TEAM TALGARTH

There are many organisations and clubs within the Talgarth District but communications between them is often non-existent. To

improve communications between all sections of the community it is proposed that an umbrella organisation is formed to

coordinate a strategic approach to developing the town and surrounding district for the benefit of the community.

Consideration might be given to forming a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee, to protect those running the company

from any personal liability for the company's debts. Any such company to be action led, not a talking shop, to deliver projects

agreed by the community for the benefit of the community and to act as a catalyst to deliver agreed actions.



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THE VISION

The concept is to secure the future of Talgarth and its surrounding communities in an ever-changing world, using funding available from a variety of sources.

Much of the concept concentrates on making Talgarth (and its wider district) a ‘must see’ destination for visitors and, perhaps more importantly, a sustainable location for business. Both categories need to be seen as customers, meaning there is a need to understand customer motivations. Simply expressed, getting the ratio between quality, price and service absolutely right.

Success of the strategy will depend on:

• a focused approach to project delivery • consistent quality across all elements of the plan • absolute determination by the Talgarth and District project delivery team, together with the entire community, to work

together for the common good



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PROJECT 1 - TALGARTH RIVERSIDE (RIVER ENNIG CATCHMENT)

The entire route of the River Ennig from the source of the three tributaries high in the Black Mountains down to its confluence

with the River LLynfi is the subject of a flood alleviation scheme by Powys County Council combined with an ecological project by

the Wye & Usk Foundation, a charity located in Talgarth.

The River Ennig is a site for the rare white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipe), an endangered freshwater crayfish, and

the only species of crayfish native to the British Isles. Otters have now returned to the upper reaches of the Ennig and salmon

can once again be seen swimming in the river below the town.

The Wye and Usk Foundation is proposing a major project, which dovetails with our own thoughts, and has made application for substantial grant funding. It has been established that the proposed project is eligible for grant funding from a variety of sources. Powys County Council is hoping to commence Stage 2 of the River Ennig Flood Alleviation Scheme once the remaining objection is overcome. THE KEY ELEMENTS OF THE PROPOSAL ARE: • Develop an all-weather walkway from the nature reserve at Pwll y Wrach to the junction of the River Ennig with the Afon Llynfi

just south of Bronllys Castle. This would create a valuable scientific path, encouraging visits from environmentalists, eco-

tourist and walkers as well as holiday makers and day visitors. A pleasing and interesting environment for Talgarth residents

at all seasons of the year will be created.

• Furnish seating, picnic areas and bar-b-que facilities for community residents and tourists alike within a relaxing and serene

environment.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freshwater

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crayfish

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Isles



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• Reduce and eventually eliminate harmful toxic residues from the river water (sheep dip chemicals etc).

• Provide educational facilities including information boards about the natural environment.

• Develop a consistent communication style for all promotional material, information boards, fascias to enhance the space and

image of the community as a whole and help to provide a focus for residents and tourists alike.

Some twenty years ago, an attempt was made to make more of the riverside between the bank building and the footbridge. Now

it is time to revisit the amenity and upgrade the facilities



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PROJECT 2 - ENHANCING TALGARTH TOWN BUILDINGS

Talgarth, once a thriving market town with over fifty shops, has just seven thriving retail establishments today (excluding pubs and cafes).

Several of the original shop premises are still recognisable as such but are not now trading. Similarly, much of the accommodation above these shops is empty - entire buildings appearing drab, uncared for and less than encouraging to retailers, traders and entrepreneurs and less than attractive to tourists and visitors.

Active steps are being taken to transform the town’s appearance so that new retail businesses can be attracted which, in turn, will increase footfall and therefore trade for existing shop keepers.

Powys County Council have an ‘Empty Homes Strategy’ to bring empty buildings back into econ9omic use.



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PROJECT 3 - POP-UP SHOP

The closing of the ‘True Box’ hardware store at the top of Bronllys Road in 2015 provided the catalyst for this project.

A Pop-up shop is a venue that offers temporary retail space for entrepreneurs and young business people to test new products and ideas in a real environment. The space can be used by marketers for seasonal items such as Halloween costumes, Christmas gifts and decorations or fireworks.

Alternatively, and the most likely purpose for Talgarth, is to provide a shop window, display space and a selling opportunity for a number of small businesses which could otherwise not afford such space individually.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween_costume

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_shopping

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_shopping

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firework



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PROJECT 4 - MID-WALES HOSPITAL SITE

This potentially valuable asset to the Talgarth community has been an ongoing issue for nearly 20 years.

Before buildings on the site deteriorate further, a firm stand needs to be taken with the site owner/developer, Talgarth Town Council and the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority to ensure a realistic and workable plan is put in place and agreed before the end of 2017.

The positive feedback following the owner’s presence at the 2015 Talgarth Festival appears to have been diluted over recent months for a number of reasons.

Although there are planning and other issues, the site is able to accommodate a substantial commercial enterprise or support multi-purpose use including housing. The outstanding issues can be resolved with goodwill on all sides coupled with the vision and determination to succeed and a supportive community.

Ideas which might be added to the list of possible uses include:

• University branch science campus specialising in renewable energy

• Support business units for the ‘Circuit of Wales’ - in particular R&D facilities for the advancement of electric vehicles

• LIVING MUSEUM - a mid-Wales and agricultural version of the ‘Beamish Experience’ in County Durham

• Private wellness centre, hotel and golf course (a successful model in parts of Europe)

• Educational establishment

The T&DRG needs to work as a pressure group to continuously monitor progress and actively support any realistic proposals.



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PROJECT 5 - PUTTING TALGARTH ON THE MAP (TOWN ENTRANCE ENHANCEMENT)

Talgarth is bypassed, not just by a road but by thousands of business people and tourists every year who have never heard of the town and have no concept of its heritage, culture or community.

This project will encourage through travellers to stop, walk around and, hopefully buy goods and refreshment.

The concept is to encourage more passing visitors to park-up and take a walk around the town by erecting an impactful visual statement on the roundabout that reflects the heritage and culture of the town. The design and style of such a statement is open for discussion although some ideas have already been generated including:

♥ A display of ‘antique’ agricultural implements

♥ A supersize sculpture of sheep and shepherd

♥ A giant depiction of a shepherd’s crook and other agricultural tools

Research has already been carried out for the viability of such a project.



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PROJECT 6 - REDUNDANT POWYS COUNTY COUNCIL SITE

The site, located between the Cattle Market and Orion Motors, opposite Haygarth Doctors Medical Centre and owned by Powys County Council, has been a sore on the northern aspect of Talgarth for many years.

With Powys County Council taking a lead in restructuring their land portfolio there may be an opportunity to acquire the site on a long lease at nominal charge.

The site might be used for one or more of the following community enhancing enterprises:

• COMMUNITY HALL

• LIBRARY

• COMMUNITY GARDEN

• MUSEUM OF LOCAL HERITAGE & CULTURE

• BLACK MOUNTAINS VISITOR CENTRE

• RURAL SKILLS CENTRE

• COMMUNITY RESOURCE & BUSINESS SUPPORT UNIT - the fast growing trend of telecommuting (working from home) is

ideally suited to Talgarth and the surrounding district and professional access to resources and support is required.

• Sustainable and really affordable housing



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PROJECT 7 - REGENT STREET BUILDING SITE (REGENT COURT)

This site has stood vacant for around 10 years.

Although there are planning restrictions in the Talgarth and surrounding areas due to limitations of water treatment and supply facilities, it is understood that a solution to the problem is likely to be announced before year end.

The owners of this land need to be encouraged to develop the site for building as soon as planning restrictions are lifted or at least landscape them for the benefit of residents.



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PROJECT 8 - SMART, NEAT, SAFE & AESTHETICALLY PLEASING

Talgarth is historic, unconventional and maybe a little idiosyncratic.

The town has a substantial yet unique history with some exclusive built features and exquisite natural resources. Yet the town is

constantly let down by a lack of attention to detail by the local authorities.

Road and directional signs are ill thought out in terms of positioning and readability.

Railings, public seating and sign supporting posts are uncared for and neglected at best. Some signs have been detached but

supporting posts and brackets have not been removed. In some cases, where a post has been removed, it has been cut off well

above surface level leaving dangerous spurs in place.

Existing signs are often inappropriate and confusing for visitors. The directional signs to Pwll-y-Wrach being a good example.

Some direction signs are missing. Unless a resident of several years standing, it is unlikely anyone will easily find the entrance to

the Town Hall! Finger posts are needed in appropriate places to point visitors accurately to places of interest within the town and

its environs.

For Talgarth to appeal to a wider and more affluent visitor audience/target market, encouraging higher spending within the town,

it is suggested that due attention is paid to the aesthetic aspects of change within the town and the surrounding district.

However, detailing needs to be appropriate to the area and in a style which does not glamourise the town.



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FURTHER PROJECTS FOR CONSIDERATION

• A community project to provide meals for visitors before 10.00am, after 4.00pm and on Mondays.

• Welsh Neolithic Heritage Centre

• Welsh Borders Culture Hub

• Welsh Rural Crafts Centre



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FUNDING

Funding for the majority of the projects may be sourced from government and private including the National Lottery and the various competitive grants and foundation funds available.



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PRIORITIES

The Talgarth community will be encouraged to put forward other ideas for projects and, before the end of 2016, timing priorities for each project will be ascertained through community consultation.



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CONCLUSION

Talgarth deserves a better deal.

The changes in local government organisation over the next three to five years mean that those communities with vision and vigour will prosper.

Powys County Council and the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority look with favour on Talgarth and, given an agreed strategy, will provide substantial support and introduce routes to funding.

As a community, we now need to chart our own course, take confident command of our future and deliver a thriving yet balanced community infrastructure.

It is vital that the entire community is consulted as individuals and given the opportunity to contribute to the strategy and its outcomes.

The first community meeting was held in Talgarth Town Hall on Friday 9th March 2016 when over 50 individuals attended a presentation by the Wye & Usk Foundation on enhancing the River Ennig - the total population of Talgarth having been advised of the opportunity by a letterbox drop of flyers, posters around the town and posting on FYI Talgarth.

A second community meeting to introduce this strategy occurred on Friday 10th June 2016. Over 60 district residents were present and many made specific suggestions and comments after the presentation.



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NEXT STEPS

1. Engage with the young people of the town to understand their views and ideas.

2. Obtain buy-in to the proposal by the Town Council

3. Work with BBNPA and PCC to turn the approved concept into a viable plan using newly established processes

4. Engage with the Talgarth & District community on a regular basis

5. Continue to develop the strategy in tune with community aspirations

6. Encourage those with specific skills to contribute to the strategy’s success



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APPENDIX 1 - TALGARTH & DISTRICT MAP



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APPENDIX 2 - TALGARTH TOWN MAP

TALGARTH TOWN

CENTRE



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APPENDIX 3 - TALGARTH & DISTRICT DEMOGRAPHIC MODEL

This data profiles the Talgarth and District community through the collection and analysis of census information from 2001 and 2011.

TOTAL NUMBER OF RESIDENTS 2001 2011 PERCENTAGE (+/-)

Wales 3.063 million 3.064 million + 0.03% Powys 128,482 134,976 + 5.1% Talgarth 1,645 1,724 + 4.8%

source: Office for National Statistics

TALGARTH HOUSEHOLDS 2001 2011 Number of households 737 685 Average household size 2.3 2.3 Residents in households 1,686 1,602 Residents in communal living 38 u/k Population density (people per hectare) 0.30 0.31

source: ukcensusdara.com



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RESIDENTS LIFESTAGE ANALYSIS 2011 2001

Number Percentage Number Percentage of all Residents of all Residents

Age 0 to 14 278 16.13% 298 18.12%

Age 15 to 19 99 5.74% 73 4.44%

Age 20 to 29 176 10.21% 138 8.39%

Age 30 to 44 289 16.76% 352 21.40%

Age 45 to 59 388 22.51% 341 20.73%

Age 60 to 64 110 6.38% 102 6.20%

Age 65 to 74 197 11.43% 177 10.76%

Age 75+ 187 10.85% 164 9.97%

Median Age

source: Census Key Statistics © Crown Copyright (Powys CC Research & Information Unit)



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GENDER 2011 2001


Male 849 49.25% 797 48.45%

Female 875 50.75% 848 51.55%

ILLNESS & CARERS 2011 2001


Disability or long-term health problems 373 21.64% 361 21.95%

Persons providing unpaid care 216 12.53% 183 11.12%

HOUSEHOLD TYPE 2011 2001


Pensioners Living Alone 118 16.01% 118 17.20%

One parent families/dependent children 48 6.51% 38 5.54%

source: Census Key Statistics © Crown Copyright (Powys CC Research & Information Unit)



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APPENDIX 4 - TALGARTH & DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS, GROUPS & CLUBS

1. Bell Talgarth Gardening Club

2. Dolls House Club

3. Every Penny Counts Craft Group

4. Friends of Talgarth School

5. Hay, Brecon & Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees

6. Talgarth Allotment Association

7. Talgarth & District Regeneration Group

8. Talgarth & District Historical Society

9. Talgarth Branch of the Women’s Institute

10. Talgarth Christmas Lights Group

11. Talgarth Community Choir

12. Talgarth Dial-a-Ride

13. Talgarth Division - St. John Ambulance

14. Talgarth Environment Group

15. Talgarth Festival Group

16. Talgarth French Conversation Table

17. Talgarth Luncheon Club

18. Talgarth Male Choir

19. Talgarth Mill Community Enterprise

20. Talgarth Tourist Information & Resource Centre

21. Talgarth Town Twinning Association

22. Talgarth Whist Club

23. Talgarth Woodland Group

24. Talgarth Young Farmer’s Club

25. Talgarth Youth Club

26. Usk & Wye Organic Gardeners



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APPENDIX 5 - SPORTS & FITNESS CLUBS & ORGANISATIONS

1. Black Mountains Gliding Club

2. Gwernyfed Hockey Club

3. Gwernyfed Rugby Football Club

4. Talgarth & District Sports Association (TADSA)

5. Talgarth Bowls Club

6. Talgarth Cricket Club

7. Talgarth Football Club

8. Talgarth Juniors Football Club

9. Talgarth Short Mat Bowls Club

10. Talgarth Table Tennis Club

11. Talgarth Tennis Club

12. Talgarth Walkers Are Welcome Group

13. Zumba



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APPENDIX 6 - PARTNER ORGANISATIONS

• Brecon Beacons National Park Authority

• Powys County Council

• Talgarth Town Council

• Wye & Usk Foundation



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APPENDIX 7 - DISTRICT REFRESHMENT SERVICES

CAFÉS & COFFEE SHOPS Coronation Café, Talgarth Honey Café, Bronllys The Baker’s Table, Talgarth The Strand Café, Talgarth COMMUNITY COFFEE MORNINGS Bronllys Felindre LUNCHEON CLUB Talgarth PUBS The Bridgend, Talgarth The Castle Hotel, Talgarth The New Inn, Talgarth The Tower Hotel, Talgarth RESTAURANTS Old Railway Line Garden Centre & Restaurant, Three Cocks The Old Barn, Three Cocks Three Cocks Coaching Inn & Restaurant, Three Cocks TAKEAWAY Castle Fish Bar, Talgarth Sun City Cantonese Takeaway, Talgarth

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