Appearing on the 1836 Tithe map showing a tight area of settlement around the junction with George Street, Commercial Street is considered as one of the two earliest roads of Pontypool. Originally the street was known as Caroline Street, but by the Town Plan map of 1881 the name of Commercial Street had been well established. The development of Commercial Street as it can be seen today largely dates from the years between 1830 and 1930, with minor changes and building projects being completed in the proceeding decades. The face of Commercial Street varies considerable with architectural styles varying from the Late Georgian, with sash windows and large bay windows, to the mixed Renaissance styling of Barclays Bank with an exterior decorated with pilasters, decorative moulded banding and high arched window heads, and finally to the Art Deco architecture of the former Co-operative, with an austere grey facade demonstrating its mechanical and industrial influences.

Pontypool: Understanding Urban Character, Cadw, 2012

Ross Cook, RCAHMW. 14th January 2013