The new £3.93m modern business unit for Coed Ely has been handed over to the Council by its contractor – and several expressions of interest from potential future tenants have already been received.
Having made good progress throughout 2020, John Weaver Contractors has practically completed the building’s construction phase, which started in November 2019. It has provided a 30,000 sq ft business unit, including offices, on a plot of the wider Coed Ely colliery site (Parc Coed-elái), which is owned by Welsh Government and earmarked for development in the Local Development Plan. The building was handed over to the Council on Friday, January 15.
Leading on the Joint Venture scheme with Welsh Government, the Council previously secured £2.58m from the European Regional Development Fund to deliver the unit. The building, at 3 Parc Coed-elái (CF39 8FR), achieves a positive rating for its low-carbon usage under the established BREEAM assessment criteria.
Working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic by complying with latest civil engineering guidance, the scheme achieved important landmarks last year – including completion of the building’s steel framework (March) and roof (May).
All internal and external work to the building is now complete, aside from some outstanding service connections to be completed very shortly. Before it was handed over to the Council, the building was internally and externally cleaned, while several inspections – including live systems tests for Building Control and Fire Safety – were undertaken over the past week.
Councillor Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Housing, said: “I’m very pleased that the modern business unit in Coed Ely is now built, bringing this area of derelict former colliery land back into use. The development forms part of the wider Parc Coed-elái site being developed by Welsh Government – and the Council was able to secure more than £3.25m of external funding towards its delivery.
“The Council’s development has now provided modern, larger and bespoke accommodation with differing uses, the like of which has not been constructed in Rhondda Cynon Taf for a number of years. The building is of an excellent standard, and achieves a positive rating for low-carbon use and sustainability under recognised regulations. The Council is also developing a further project in the Cynon Valley at Robertstown, which is making progress on site.
“The building is located in the Rhondda Gateway Region – which is identified by the Council as a Strategic Opportunity Area with the potential for economic growth. It has excellent access via the nearby A4119 arterial route, which the Council has committed to dualling from Coed Ely to Ynysmaerdy in the future.
“It is also very encouraging news that the Council has already received significant interest about occupying the building, which is a further indication that there is a demand for this type of business accommodation in strategic areas of the County Borough. The Council will provide an update once any tenancy has been agreed. I look forward to visiting the site in the future once COVID-19 cases are significantly reduced and the restrictions allow.”
The Council has already received a number of expressions of interest in relation to potential future tenancy occupation. The property is still available to let at this moment in time – enquiries should be directed to the Council’s appointed agents JLL via 02920 227666 or Heather.Lawrence@eu.jll.com.
Posted on 22/01/2021