Merthyr Tydfil’s Lower High Street was a historic area but had become an unloved, traffic-choked and intimidating area, in danger of sliding further into neglect.

A bold contemporary scheme by transformed lighting and traffic management and restored key features to provide a focus. They created a new square fronting St Tydfil Church to host outdoor performances and events including a seasonal skating rink and markets. The public were fundamental to the consultation process and as a result, the completed square feels owned by its users.

Design detail has been central to successful placemaking here. Bronze street furniture has imprints of bracken, evoking the vegetation which formed the area’s coal measures. A cast metal bench in sinuous folded sheet design references a heritage of metal working.

The ‘quieter end of town’ is now a vibrant area with just one vacant unit – awaiting planning permission for change of use to a café.