Plans have been permitted to remodel the vacant store right into a wellness studio, with its personal café and low bar, together with a sauna and therapy rooms
The location of the previous WH Smith store on Pontypridd’s excessive avenue goes to be reworked into one thing surprising. A planning utility submitted to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council to transform the big WH Smith, which closed in 2024, from a retail area to a wellness hub and café has been permitted.
The brand new hub will consist of 5 remedy rooms, an area for cold and warm distinction remedy and restoration in addition to a reformer pilates and yoga studio. The appliance additionally units out plans for the creation of a wholesome cafe, serving wholesome shakes and matchas.
The previous WH Smith’s on Taff Road has been vacant because the excessive avenue big closed its doorways in Might final yr however a brand new enterprise is hoping to open on the website in spring subsequent yr. Get the most recent Ponty information first by signing as much as our e-newsletter right here
The plans present the bottom ground of the three-storey constructing shall be reworked right into a café space, with a espresso bar and seating space.
There may even be a reception space and a few altering rooms, together with a lot of remedy rooms – together with a sauna, chilly water and LED remedy rooms.
The primary ground will include a pilates studio and a yoga studio, with hammocks for aerial yoga.
The second ground plans present additional therapy rooms.
The appliance states that the enterprise plans to open from 6am till 10pm seven days every week, and can make use of two full-time and 6 part-time staff.
The native enterprise enchancment district, Pontypridd BID, mentioned the planning applicant is in search of events/companies who might need to lease out among the remedy rooms.
Many locals had been happy that the constructing would lastly be introduced again into use after the planning utility was permitted.
Native Plaid Cymru councillor William Rees commented: “Nice information – Will likely be an amazing addition to our city centre!”
One other individual mentioned: “Whoop! That is going to be wonderful”.
A 3rd individual added: “Something that attracts individuals into Ponty is ok by me and will probably be one other constructing that shall be used and never left to fall into disrepair.”
