Cardiff’s ‘hideous’ eyesore, Medallion House, is set to undergo a complete transformation after years of criticism from residents. The Cardiff Council’s planning committee convened on Thursday, January 16, to approve plans for the redevelopment of Medallion House, located on Crwys Road in Cathays. The building, once home to a Co-op supermarket and currently housing a British Heart Foundation shop, has long been a point of contention due to its derelict state, surrounded by metal fencing and empty spaces. The approved plans include converting the building into 67 flats, while retaining retail space on the ground floor, as well as incorporating a community centre.
Local council members for Cathays voiced their support for revitalising Medallion House and utilising its full potential. However, during the planning committee meeting, concerns were raised about the implications of the development on residents in the area. Councillor Chris Weaver highlighted potential issues such as overshadowing of properties and the impact on lighting. Ward colleague, Councillor Sarah Merry, echoed these sentiments, particularly expressing worries about privacy due to a proposed rooftop space for residents.
The council report on the plans pointed out that lighting levels in three properties could fall below recommended standards as a result of the redevelopment. Despite these concerns, the council’s senior planner, Steve Ball, emphasised the overall positive impact of the project, citing the pressing need to rejuvenate the current eyesore. The proposed transformation involves demolishing existing upper floors and constructing four new floors, with the back car park area also being redeveloped.
Members of the planning committee, including Councillor Garry Hunt, acknowledged the current poor state of Medallion House and viewed the redesign as an improvement. Nevertheless, some reservations lingered among committee members such as Councillors Adrian Robson and Peter Wong, who shared concerns about the development’s impact on existing residents. While acknowledging these concerns, Councillors Sean Driscoll and Michael Michael leaned towards supporting the redevelopment, emphasizing the benefits it would bring to the area.
The flats planned for Medallion House will consist of a mix of one and two-bedroom units, with the majority proposed to be affordable housing. The transformation aims to breathe new life into the building, turning it into a vibrant community hub while addressing the long-standing eyesore it has represented. Despite differing viewpoints among committee members, the consensus leans towards seeing Medallion House undergo this extensive makeover for the betterment of the local neighbourhood.
The decision to approve the transformation of Medallion House reflects a significant step towards revitalising a prominent building in Cardiff that has long been a source of contention. The plans to convert the structure into a mix of residential units and a community centre hold the promise of not only enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the area but also providing much-needed housing options, including affordable dwellings for residents. This redevelopment project signifies a positive change for the neighbourhood, breathing new life into a previously neglected building and enriching the community as a whole.