Transforming Merthyr Tydfil

Creating a thriving business and retail environment

Floral Planters and Hanging Baskets (summer 2019)

This summer, The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil has again provided floral displays and over 100 hanging baskets at the key gateways to the town centre to provide a more welcoming and attractive experience for visitors as they approach the town. In particular, we have extended the displays to include new BID areas such as Plymouth Street (between the railway bridge and Caedraw roundabout).

Big Heart Shop Front improvement Grant (ongoing)

One of our most popular schemes, some 45+ Big Heart members have now accessed this small grant of up to £600 to improve the exterior appearance of their premises. Improvements have included redecoration, new signage, improved disabled access and so on.

To find out more, please contact us on 01685 726272.

Table and Chair Licenses (ongoing)

The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil continues to support cafes, pubs and restaurants in the town centre by covering the cost of table and chair licenses for the first 8 businesses who apply. We believe that well kept outdoor seating areas can improve the overall appearance ot the town centre and encourage visitors to stay a little longer.

Floral Planters and Hanging Baskets (summer 2018)

The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil will again provide floral displays and over 100 hanging baskets at the key gateways to the town centre to make the town centre more welcoming and attractive to visitors this summer.

Additional Christmas Lights (winter 2017)

The BID had supported MTCBC to rejuvenate the festive lighting across the town centre this winter. In particular it has supported the extension of the lights to include all BID areas including Church Street and areas at the southern end of the town centre, as well as supporting improved lighting displays in Penderyn Square / Redhouse.

Targeted Clean Ups (autumn 2017 – ongoing)

The BID and MTCBC are working closely to deliver targeted improvements in key areas. The first street to be considered has been Glebeland Street and work has included the removal of old planters and obsolete street furniture, the targeting of Big Heart Shop Front Improvement grants to improve frontages, the cleaning of alleyways, etc. Alongside substantial private investment into the JNP building at the west end of the street and The Belle Vue at the eastern end, a considerable improvement has been achieved.

Floral Planters and Hanging Baskets (summer 2017)

This summer, The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil will again provide floral displays and over 100 hanging baskets at the key gateways to the town centre to provide a more welcoming and attractive experience for visitors as they approach the town.

Town Centre Cleaning (ongoing)

The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil is working with Merthyr Tydfil Council, via the town centre manager and cleansing department, to get the steam cleaning machine, which was 50% funded by the BID, back into regular use. Identified hot-spots such as the bus station have been targeted and a deep clean has been undertaken.

The BID will continue to work with the council to improve the cleanliness of the town centre in a structured and financially sustainable way.

Floral Planters and Hanging Baskets (June to September 2016)

The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil again provided floral displays and over 100 hanging baskets at the key gateways to the town centre to make the town centre more welcoming and attractive to visitors this summer.

Town Centre Information Points (May 2016)

New information points have been installed in key access and high footfall locations across the town centre including High Street, Penderyn Square, Castle Street, Llys Janice Rowlands, Pontmorlais, the Railway Station, adjacent to Merthry Tydfil Leisure Centre and adjacent to the link bridge from Merthyr College to St Tydfil Shopping Centre. They feature a new town centre map and will be regularly updated with information on festivals, events, the loyalty card and other items of particular interest to shoppers and visitors.

Floral Displays (June – October 2015)

Once again, The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil has funded some 100 hanging baskets at the key gateways to the town centre as well as several tiered planters with vibrant and colourful floral displays.

Additional Christmas Lights (November & December 2014)

The Big Heart of Merthr Tydfil has funded additional Christmas lights in the new Penderyn Square, Castle Street and around Caedraw Island.

Floral Displays (June 2014 ongoing)

The BID is funding floral displays in the bus station tiered planters and an additional 125 hanging baskets at the key gateways to the town centre to make the town more welcoming to visitors and shoppers.

Caedraw Roundabout (March 2014 – June 2014)

The very busy Caedraw roundabout gateway to the town has been improved with new planting designed to give spring and summer colour and with the addition of new ‘Welcome to Merthyr Tydfil’ signs.

New Christmas Lights (November & December 2013)

The BID funded additional Christmas lights in Victoria Street and Market Place which were very well received by both businesses and members of the public.

Big Heart Shop Front improvement Grant (launched September 2013 – scheme now closed)

This scheme allows businesses to apply for up to £600 for projects to improve their exterior appearance. This might include redecoration, new signage, improved disabled access and so on. To the end of November 2014, 27 grants have been approved to a value of some £13,250.

Enhanced Street Cleansing (July 2013 ongoing)

The BID part funded with the council new steam cleaning equipment to enable the town centre to receive a deep clean including the removal of chewing gum and stains on the pavements.

Gateway Improvements – Bus Station (June 2013)

This project included the purchase of four 3-tier planters at the entrance to the bus station. These will be maintained with both summer and winter floral displays.

Gateway Improvements – Southern Gateway (June 2013)

This area was enhanced to complement the completion of Llys Janice Rowlands with the removal of old shrub beds, turfing and floral displays.

Hanging Baskets (June 2013)

The Big Heart paid for nearly 100 additional hanging-baskets in the town centre focusing on Victoria Street, Glebeland Street, Lower High Street, Swan Street and the southern end of High Street.