Understanding Treharris: The past, present and the future

How understanding the development of Treharris to the present can inform its future development

Places across the south Wales valleys have experienced a lot of change over the last 100 years or so. The change has had a profound effect on shaping how these places developed to the present day on employment, shops, services and infrastructure. These all affect what types of places they are for people to live. But can the developments shed light on how places will develop in the future?

This paper looks at the development of Treharris in Merthyr Tydfil to the present day to better understand its economic and social development to inform how it may develop in the future. It looks at what existing assets there are or what needs to develop to grasp its potential as a place to live for the next 100 years.

It argues that there are a number of similarities between Treharris and other valley’s communities based on their shared industrial history. However Treharris has unique characteristics that could hint at its future development that could bring economic self-sufficiency, shared prosperity and community cohesion.

Treharris’ location on the Taf Trail is a key asset. Cycle ways and green spaces like Parc Taf Bargoed are important in the area’s development. It is also at a crossroads between Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf and county boroughs with connections to a variety of places in all directions. Nascent green energy projects, co-working hubs and meanwhile initiatives on Fox Street will help Treharris’s role as a hub in the south of the Merthyr Tydfil Borough.

The report features exclusive images from residents.

Pages: 15

Format: PDF

Language: English

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