Archive - Thursday, 4 November 2004


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In March 2002, our front page carried the number 23 on a black background, representing the number of empty shops in Pontypool town centre.

This week we have repeated that investigation - and the results are encouraging enough for us to say "we are getting there".

In 2002, we counted 130 retail premises in the town centre, with 23 empty. This week, we counted 146 premises, with just 16 free.

Some major projects have added to the growing air of positivity. l Crane Street, the new Tesco and The Link have all opened.

l The worst eyesore of the lot, the Clarence Hotel, is under renovation. l Eyesore number two, the Hypervalue building, is about to be sold. Talks are going well between Hypervalue's agents and an unnamed buyer who plans a mixed office/retail development.

l The old Tesco store should be fully occupied by this time next year. l All but one of the 54 stalls in Pontypool market are taken (several are awaiting refurbishment).

Our survey showed most of the remaining empty shops are at both ends of town - Osborne Road and the Clarence. Hopefully the situation there will improve when the Clarence and Wetherspoon's open.

Also being discussed is the redevelopment of Clarence Corner with further office space, living accommodation, shops and leisure facilities. With all this going on, it's no surprise people are starting to feel more positive about the future.