Reviving the Heart: A Retail Revival for Merthyr’s Town Centre

Enterprise, events, and maybe even trams – it’s time to bring Merthyr’s high street back to life

Every town has a heart — and Merthyr Tydfil’s is no exception.

So far in this blog series, I’ve put forward ideas for the outskirts, the riverbanks, the railway, the mountains, and the parks. From Rhydycar West, to a theme park at Abercanaid, to the Cyfarthfa Ironworks showground, and a full transformation of Avenue de Clichy and the Taff Trail, my vision for a Leisure City Merthyr has been clear:

To bring life, jobs, culture, and visitors back to Merthyr Tydfil.

But now it’s time to address the heart of it all: the high street and shopping precinct.

The Problem: Too Many Empty Shops

It’s no secret — our town centre is struggling. Empty shops, footfall that comes and goes, and the usual doom spiral that affects so many British towns. But Merthyr doesn’t have to follow that script.

We have:

  • A railway and bus network that links us to Cardiff, the Valleys and beyond.

  • Regular events that boom the town for the day.

  • A strong community spirit.

  • A growing list of attractions and reasons to visit.

What we need now is a reason for people to stay longer, shop local, and come back often.

The Proposal: A Merthyr Retail Enterprise Zone

I don’t have all the answers - but here’s one idea I believe is worth exploring:

A Retail Enterprise Zone, backed by lobbying both local and national, supported by public momentum and political will.

Enterprise Zones (EZs) are usually set up by the UK Government to offer tax breaks, business rate relief, and simplified planning rules to help areas grow. Why not fight for one dedicated to Merthyr’s high street?

  • Reduce rent pressure on new local businesses

  • Provide start-up incentives for young entrepreneurs

  • Attract creative industries and destination retailers

  • Fill empty units with real, community-rooted trade

  • Transform the town from a pass-through zone to a vibrant stop-and-shop centre

If we can’t get a full EZ designation? Then let’s create a locally supported version: a mix of council support, business partnerships, rent relief, and event-based trade support.

Events Are Key

Here’s what we know: when there’s an event in Merthyr, the town booms.

Let’s stop treating events as one-offs. Let’s make them weekly, monthly, themed, and multi-location.

  • Food and drink festivals

  • Outdoor cinemas

  • Music on the high street

  • Teenage entrepreneur markets

  • Culture days celebrating Welsh, global or heritage identities

  • Even a “Merthyr Makes” day where all local makers take over the town with stalls, demos, and live craft.

This gives people a reason to come into town and support local businesses while they’re there.

A Throwaway Idea That Might Not Be So Crazy...

Okay, hear me out:

What if we brought back Merthyr’s old-style trams?

Not to run like they did back in the 1900s, those trams no longer exist, Merthyr used a 3 ft 6 in gauge (narrow gauge), whereas larger cities like Cardiff used standard gauge (4 ft 8½ in)  – but a tourism-style electric tram system that runs up and down the high street, acting as a quirky transport novelty and visitor draw.

It might be a big ask. It might take years. But imagine tourists hopping on a tram after visiting the showground, theme park, or Rhydycar slope - then riding through Merthyr’s rejuvenated retail centre like they’re on a city break in Europe.

We’ve done serious ideas.
We’ve done bold ideas.
Now let’s dream a little too.

Pulling It All Together

This idea is the final brick in a much bigger wall - and here’s how it connects to everything else I’ve proposed:

This is My Town

Merthyr is my hometown. It holds a place deep in my heart, and everything I’ve written here - every idea - is because I care.

This town gave us industry. It gave us music. It gave us community. Now it’s time we gave it a future that matches its past.

I’m not a politician. I’m not a developer. I’m just someone with vision, pride, and a lot of love for where I come from.

So let’s keep going. Let’s keep dreaming.
Let’s Make Merthyr Great Again — together.




Merthyr Tydfil Tram

Merthyr Tydfil High Street. Credit - Kev Griffin

   

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