Council contractor Willmott Dixon and the wider project team have won two prestigious accolades at the Cardiff Property Awards 2021 for their delivery of the Llys Cadwyn development – including the overall ‘Winner of Winners Award’ across all categories.
Construction of the £38m Llys Cadwyn development in Pontypridd was completed in October 2020, and is ready to fully reopen when COVID-19 restrictions allow. It has delivered three state-of-the-art buildings on the site of the former Taff Vale Shopping Centre, which had lay derelict for many years.
Number 1 Llys Cadwyn (nearest Bridge Street) will be operated by the Council, and incorporates a 21st Century Library, Council customer contact point and a state-of-the-art leisure/fitness centre. Number 2 Llys Cadwyn (centre building) includes Grade A office floorspace and a food/drink unit.
Number 3 Llys Cadwyn (near Gas Road Car Park) has become the new home of South Wales Metro operator Transport for Wales, while Bradleys Coffee has opened in one of the building’s two food/drink units. Loungers Ltd has signed a lease for Gatto Lounge to open in the other unit. The areas in and around the three buildings are open to the public, including a riverwalk.
Contractor Willmott Dixon, Darnton B3, Hydrock, and Rhomco entered the annual Cardiff Property Awards 2021 for the completion of the flagship development, and the Awards were held virtually on Friday, March 26, as a celebration of the local property sector.
In winning the Transformation Award – Llys Cadwyn was described by judges as a: “Clever transformation from a derelict shopping centre into three builds providing hundreds of jobs… and unrivalled views of the river. A decline restored into an eye-catching area with new purpose.”
The development then qualified for the ‘Winner of Winners’ Award across all categories, and in winning, judges said it: “Completely transformed the centre of Pontypridd and has been a social catalyst for positive change, delivering over 3,900 weeks of training and employment opportunities and over £8m social value return on investment. A masterclass in property usage.”
Councillor Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Housing, said: “Congratulations to Willmott Dixon for its success at the Cardiff Property Awards – having delivered the Council’s vision for Llys Cadwyn to revitalise the derelict town centre site into a gateway development which everyone in Pontypridd can be proud of. The buildings are complete and ready to be fully-brought into use once the COVID-19 pandemic allows – and have already brought Transport for Wales and Bradleys Coffee to Pontypirdd, with Gatto Lounge to follow.
“However, Llys Cadwyn was much more than just the three buildings, and in awarding Willmott Dixon the ‘Winner of Winners Award’, judges commented on the project’s excellent social value. Almost 4,000 weeks of recruitment and training were delivered, while 4,200 pupils were engaged. More than 56% of labour and 63% of project spend was sourced within 20 miles, while Willmott Dixon undertook £49,666 in fundraising. The contractor also coordinated a project to revitalise the bowls pavilion at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park and its local supply chain helped enhance Ysgol Ty Coch’s sensory garden.”
Neal Stephens, Willmott Dixon Wales and West Managing Director, added: “This is a great accolade for the whole team involved in the project. It really was a collaborative effort to deliver the three buildings for the people of Pontypridd, while also delivering additional social and economic benefits to the area.
"The award also recognises Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s vision and ambition for the project, which enabled this bold project to be realised. We hope that this is the first of many awards for this is fantastic development; a project that Willmott Dixon is very proud to have played our part in delivering.’’
Posted on 13/04/2021