Powell Dobson Urbanists have won a commision to develop a good practice guide that will shape the future of 11 town centres in the south Wales valleys.

The document will provide a bespoke set of guidelines to approach the street design in five key local authorities in the ‘Heads of the Valleys’ region. These include Rhondda Cynon Taff, Torfaen, Merthyr, Caerphilly, and Blaenau Gwent.

Street design considers  how specific features can be used to make places between buildings comfortable, inviting, safe and memorable, including the layout of road junctions, impact of traffic and road traffic signs, surface materials, lighting and even street furniture like benches, seats and plants. Generally, most streets are sadly, uncoordinated, cluttered, dated and in poor condition.

The guide will steer local government policy towards a strategic view on street design to ensure that any future developments in the town centres are effective and sustainable. The contract was awarded by Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council.

James Brown, Associate of Powell Dobson Urbanists, said: “The guide was born out of a need to provide a clear idea of what works, and more importantly, what doesn’t, when it comes to street design in a selection of towns in the south Wales Valleys.

“While we do not think that every town centre should look the same, it will ensure that any future proposals for public spaces will contribute towards a long-lasting and unique ‘Valleys’ feel that will retain residents and encourage visitors to the centres, helping to boost the economic vitality and, therefore, the sustainability of the towns in question.” 

The guide will present authorities with a clear idea of best practice in street design, and offer advice about the best way to implement it.

It will draw on elements of best practice from across Wales, UK and Europe about how excellent streets can be implemented and managed in the long term, so that investments in street improvements can be sustained.

James Brown explains: “There is a re-occurring problem that streets in town centres can sometimes accumulate items that in isolation are well intentioned, like CCTV but the addition of such items like columns, unnecessary road markings, poles, signs and railings can detract from the quality of the place itself. 

“The towns we are preparing the guide for are all located in exceptionally beautiful landscapes. Yet visiting these traditional Valleys towns is becoming for many an optional activity as they face competition from bigger places, out of town retail parks and the internet. 

“The guidelines we are developing are designed to draw more people back to these towns and will enable the authorities to take a significant step towards turning these settlements into places that people want to visit.”