We have recently appointed a design team led by Powell Dobson architects to begin designing a scheme for new energy efficient council homes on the former Fairwater Social and Athletics Club.
The site is being considered to provide a range of houses to meet the needs of the local community, comprising a mixture of semi-detached and terraced family housing. The proposals could also include a bungalow designed as supported living for adults with a learning disability.
The existing telecommunications mast currently on the roof of the Social Club will remain on the site after the building is demolished and will be relocated carefully to reflect the character of the area and new development.
The scheme will be ambitious and high quality. Through good design we hope to provide:
- An attractive and safe neighbourhood for living and raising a family.
- New affordable homes that are energy efficient, naturally light and airy.
- Homes designed around modern families, with private gardens, electric vehicle charging points and bicycle storage.
- New tree planting and green links respecting the character of Fairwater Park.
- An improved pedestrian route through the site connecting Ferrier Road to Plasmawr Road.
The new development will provide new affordable family homes designed to meet the Council’s high energy efficient standards. They will be available to rent for people on the Council House waiting list and will comprise of 2,3- and 4-bedroom homes.
The scheme will also include a bungalow for adults with learning disabilities. This will be staffed 24 hours a day to help residents live independently.
The scheme will incorporate a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) that include rain gardens, tree planting and other green infrastructure that ensure rainwater drains naturally into the ground. This helps to combat the impacts of climate change, provides greener, more attractive places to live, and increases local biodiversity.
The existing telecommunications mast will also be redeveloped onsite and designed to respect its setting.
The project will progress in four key stages (see below). We are currently at Stage 2:
Stage 1 Survey work and information gathering:
This stage involves undertaking all the necessary survey work on the site, such as trees, ecology and site condition surveys. They tell us all we need to know about the site to help shape the design of the proposed development. These began in 2020 and will continue until the end of the summer 2022.
Stage 2 (In Progress – Completion 2023):
Stage 2 involves using the survey work to identify the site opportunities and constraints and coming up with some initial ideas and early designs for the proposed development. We will get feedback on these ideas from a range of technical experts to be able to develop a preferred option for the design. We will aim to complete this stage in 2023.
Stage 3 Preferred Option (2023):
This stage involves developing the preferred option in more detail, ready for a planning application. This stage will involve a Pre Application Consultation (PAC) with the community and other stakeholders.
Stage 4 Planning Application (2023):
We hope to be able to submit a planning application for the proposed development in early 2023. The community and other stakeholders will have an opportunity to comment further on the proposals at this stage.
We want to understand your views about where you live, what is important to you as residents and invite your opinions on our ideas for the development. To tell us your thoughts, you can view and complete our questionnaire. We will be organising a community event to share our early ideas with you about the scheme
We hope to hold the event in Autumn 2022, so that the community has a chance to influence plans before a preferred option is decided. We will post key dates once they have been agreed.
You can contact us about the development at any time via the housing development mailbox HousingDevelopment@cardiff.gov.uk.
Does the Fairwater Social & Athletic Club still operate?
The Club ceased trading in 2018
Who owns the land?
The land is owned by Cardiff Council
What will happen to the telecoms mast currently located on the Club buildings?
Under the terms of the lease, the telecoms mast will be re-provided within the site
When will the buildings be demolished?
When the design is developed and a new location agreed for the telecoms mast, the buildings can then be demolished
Can I be considered for a home?
To be considered, please go to Housing online
Get in touch
If you have any questions or concerns about this project, please contact us.