Newbridge is strategically located at the cross roads of the A472 and A467. Together with the recently re-opened passenger railway line to Cardiff, and new pedestrian bridge linking the rail and bus services, these links make Newbridge an important transport hub. It now plays a crucial role in the accessibility of services to the catchment population. The town has been recognised as a 'Key Settlement' in the Local Development Plan for County Borough of Caerphilly. The centre has over 60 independent, locally owned businesses.
For nearly 100 years the prosperity of Newbridge depended on the local collieries, namely Celynen North, Celynen South and Graig Fawr, which employed thousands of workers in their heyday. Key developments have helped lay the foundations for the long term, sustainable regeneration of the town.
In December 2008, the Ebbw Valley Railway re-opened for passenger services for the first time in over forty years, linking Ebbw Vale to Cardiff. The conversion of the former freight railway line to provide an hourly passenger service has had significant regeneration benefits and provides an environmentally sustainable alternative to the car.
Calzaghe Bridge, opened in 2009, spans both the railway line and the River Ebbw and connects key parts of the town centre together – the comprehensive school and leisure facilities on the east bank of the river, the town centre shops and services on the western bank and the railway station and park and ride facility in between. This was a fundamentally important contribution towards making Newbridge a unified and accessible town centre.
The town accommodates a number of light industries and the Axiom factory. It has the potential to provide further employment for the district it serves. With its modern leisure centre, rugby ground and historic Workmen's Hall and Institute, the town has the potential to develop as a leisure and cultural centre serving a wide area of the Mid Valleys.
With its excellent communication links, its concentration of retail and service enterprises and its employment potential, the town centre is a focus of opportunity.
Newbridge is set to benefit from major improvements throughout the town centre. To view a fly through of the public realm proposals click the link below:
View Newbridge Town Centre Regeneration on YouTube
For more detail information about the proposals call 01443 235362 or email planning@caerphilly.gov.uk.
For more information or if you would like to talk to someone about retail opportunities in Newbridge call 01443 866213 or email retail@caerphilly.gov.uk.