As another year passes by at Cardiff’s ‘garden city for the 21st century’, project director, Wayne Rees, takes a look back at some of the highlights of 2021.
“This year has been a milestone for Plasdŵr. 2021 marked five years since the first planning permission was granted, and despite a challenging year in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, we’ve made significant progress on both the new homes and infrastructure at Plasdŵr.
“Across the five developments which are currently underway, 173 new homes have been occupied over the past 12 months. Redrow has completely sold out at Parc Plymouth, sales are strong at Cae St Fagans, and at Cwrt Sant Ioan, phase one is nearly fully occupied, with phase two well under construction and already seeing strong sales. The third phase is expected to be released in spring 2022.
“In March, Bellway opened its show home at Rhiwlas, and Lewis Homes introduced a marketing suite at Dôl Werdd during the summer. We also welcomed Taylor Wimpey on board as the next developer to build at Plasdŵr. Taylor Wimpey’s proposed development in the Pendown neighbourhood, Gwêl y Garth, will deliver the first part of a key, strategic cycle route, eventually linking to the Ely Trail and helping establish the active travel network around Plasdŵr.
“A significant breakthrough this year was the submission of planning for the first primary school at Plasdŵr. After experiencing some delays due to the pandemic, the state-of-the art school, which is in the Groeswen neighbourhood, is expected to open its door in September 2023 for children living at Plasdŵr and in the surrounding communities. This will be the first of four primary schools at Plasdŵr. Plans also include a new secondary school, so eventually, thousands of local children will have access to high-quality education a short walk or cycle from their home at Plasdŵr or its surrounding areas.
“We also began work on the Gateway Linear Park, releasing the first details on what will become the green entrance to Plasdŵr. Around 40% of Plasdŵr will be green space – featuring parks, woodland, playing fields and open space throughout the development. The Gateway Linear Park will include designated play trails, outdoor seating, footpaths, and cycleways so residents can enjoy the outdoors. We’re also looking forward to partnering with local talent by commissioning pieces of public art. This will make a significant contribution to the cultural well-being of the community as well as the physical landscape.
“Over the past few months, our contractors have made good progress on the essential highway improvement works along Llantrisant Road and Clos Parc Radur and will continue these improvements into the new year. With work on the Heol Isaf junction now complete, junction improvements along Clos Parc Radur are now well underway, and we are continuing the road widening for new bus and cycle lanes leading to the new development. Works of such an extensive nature will inevitably cause disruption, and we want to take this opportunity thank residents and commuters for their patience so far and over the coming months.
“Looking ahead to next year, we’re hoping to be able to share some more information on the first primary school, as well as announcing future phases of development. With the housing market continuing to flourish, we’re looking forward to being able to support the ever-increasing demand for new homes and amenities in Cardiff and bringing more developers on board as our new community here at Plasdŵr takes shape.
“2021 has been a busy year, and our achievements put us in a strong position to welcome new challenges heading into 2022. On behalf of the Plasdŵr development team I would like to wish you all a safe and healthy Christmas and a happy new year.”