Bargoed is the largest shopping centre in the Upper Rhymney Valley, serving the surrounding communities of Aberbargoed, Gilfach and Pengam. Up until 1977, Bargoed was the hub of the coal industry in the Rhymney Valley, and the town was a significant retail centre.  The former colliery sites now form the county borough’s newest (and largest at 100 hectares [250 acres]) country park, and the material from the former Bargoed coal tip has played an important role in creating the new retail plateau and park & ride facility.

The first phase of the multi-million pound Greater Bargoed Community Regeneration Scheme was completed in the summer of 2009.  The crucial component of the scheme is the new road ‘Angel Way’, which will be a key driver for future economic growth. 

A recent isochrone study has revealed that there are significant improvements to the south and south east of Bargoed, which have resulted in an increase in the potential catchment populations.  Within the 10 minute zone, the population now stands at 60,000 compared with 44,000 in 2005 and notably, the new hospital, Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr now lies within this zone.  This improvement will provide Bargoed businesses with new opportunities and increase the accessibility of the town to visitors.  View the isochrone map

Bargoed’s transformation continues into the next phase, with the focus now shifting from the major infrastructure works with the construction of Angel Way and the viaduct, to improving pedestrian linkages and enhancement works throughout the main shopping street.