There were several failed attempts by private developers to initiate new development on this important town centre site (now called Llys Cadwyn). The Local Authority acquired it in 2011 and commissioned a public sector focused scheme. They charged Gaunt Francis Architects with finding the most appropriate solution, based on a mix of uses. Property valuation advice was provided by JLL and Knight Frank.
The preferred option was an employment based scheme. Three new buildings above a common basement, that allowed the opportunity for new public spaces, and new views of the wonderful Ynysangharad Park. Two of the new buildings provide 10,000m2 of new office space. The third is a 2,400m2 mixed-use community hub containing a new library, gym, café and ‘one-for-all’ public interface. This building takes a fluid shape to help celebrate its public use; to complement a contemporary, forward looking Local Authority, and to reduce its massing where it faces the historic William Edwards bridge.
Gaunt Francis Architects Director and Project Architects, Alan Francis, said “This is an innovative example of a local authority using their covenant to kick start development. We are proud to have created a commercially successful development concept for RCT. The delivery team who took over the project have delivered our vision in an exemplary fashion”.