One of the largest brownfield affordable housing schemes in Wales has seen the completion of its final development phase. The Mill project, located on the former site of the Arjo Wiggins paper mill in Cardiff’s Ely area, has reached its conclusion after more than ten years of development.
This £150 million regeneration scheme has been a collaborative effort, part-funded by the commercial lending arm of Wales’ largest building society to the tune of £75 million, and delivered in partnership with the Welsh Government, Tirion Homes, Lovell, and Cadwyn Housing Association. The development includes 800 homes, half of which were constructed specifically for affordable rent through Tirion Homes, including 75 units designated as social housing. Additionally, 325 intermediate and discounted homes were made available.
Of the remaining properties, 358 have been sold on the open market by Lovell. The last phase alone saw 157 affordable homes, comprising a mix of apartments and houses, all of which have been rented out under the management of Cadwyn Housing Association.
A new train station at the Mill has been highlighted by Transport for Wales as a priority, although funding has yet to be secured. However, other new South Wales Metro stations in Cardiff, such as in Butetown and Crwys Road, have received funding commitments.
Richard Wales, commercial lending director of Principality Building Society, expressed excitement about the project’s completion, stating: “With the successful completion of the final phase of the Mill development, we are hugely excited to see the transformation of the formerly abandoned paper mill site into a vibrant and sustainable community for Cardiff. This milestone represents our commitment to making life’s hopes and aspirations possible in a way that works for all.”
David Ward, CEO of Tirion Homes, celebrated the project’s success, stating: “We are thrilled to celebrate the completion of the final phase of the Mill development. This project is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and partners over the last 12 years, who have successfully navigated many challenges along the way, most notably through the Covid-19 pandemic.”
In addition to housing, the development has seen significant infrastructure improvements, including new roads, a viaduct, and enhanced flood defences. The site also features five commercial units available for rent, a riverside park with green spaces, a children’s play area, and cycle paths.
A spokesperson from the Welsh Government commented on the importance of the project, stating, “Through our loan investment we’ve been able to provide £8 million worth of funding support towards the Mill development. We know that good quality housing is in high demand in the area and it’s fantastic that through our partnerships we’ve been able to give the site a new lease of life and deliver for the community.”
James Duffett, regional managing director of Lovell, remarked on the high quality of construction, stating: “The Mill is our flagship development in Cardiff, combining the very best of our partnerships and sales expertise. We have built each home with care and attention to detail, keeping the future residents in mind every step of the way.”
The Mill development in Cardiff stands as a notable success in affordable housing and brownfield regeneration, providing 800 quality homes and significant community infrastructure. The partnerships involved have transformed a disused industrial site into a thriving residential area, offering a model for future developments across Wales.