Cardiff Council’s Controversial Land Swap Plan Involving Maindy Park Put on Hold
A contentious land swap plan concerning Maindy Park in Cardiff has been temporarily halted, following extensive opposition from campaigners. The dispute stemmed from Cardiff Council’s intention to utilise Maindy Park’s land to facilitate the expansion of Cathays High School. With the land being held in trust, and the council acting as its sole trustee, an application was submitted to the Charity Commission in 2023 to execute a land exchange. The proposal involved swapping land at Maindy Park with land at Caedelyn Park in Rhiwbina. However, the Charity Commission communicated to opposing Senedd members in a recent letter that it has concluded its evaluation of the proposed land swap.
The Charity Commission indicated in their letter that Cardiff Council’s application for the land swap is presently on hold. While the council has not officially withdrawn its application, the Commission has closed its regulatory case on the matter. Any future proposals from the trustee would necessitate a new application for consideration. Cardiff Council had previously disclosed in January 2025 that plans for constructing a new velodrome at the International Sports Village in Grangetown were being abandoned. Simultaneously, the council revealed an opportunity to initiate negotiations for land currently occupied by the Companies House offices on Crown Way as an alternative for Cathays High’s expansion.
The council stated that if discussions with the Government Property Agency were unsuccessful, the development of the new school on Maindy Park’s site would remain a plausible strategy. A spokesperson from Cardiff Council remarked, “The council is cognizant of the Charity Commission’s stance. Recent endeavours have explored an alternative option for the school site, potentially negating the necessity to pursue the original land swap proposal.” However, should the alternative option not materialise, the council retains the option to revisit the application with the Charity Commission for review, providing any updated or supplementary information required.
Apart from contesting plans to utilize Maindy Park’s land for Cathays High’s enlargement, local campaigners voiced concerns over the council’s management of Maindy Park Trust. Of particular contention was the use of trust overseen land as an overflow car park for Cathays High School, prompting the council to commit to relocating the parking area. The Charity Commission has acknowledged broader governance concerns and intends to delve into these issues with the council as the trustee. The Commission’s letter expressed their commitment to exploring a new governance model for the charity, addressing constituents’ requests in the process.
The Charity Commission also alluded to a newly established sub-committee within Cardiff Council, aimed at enhancing decision-making regarding trusts where the council serves as the sole trustee. The council’s novel approach involves the formation of two distinct committees – a trusts cabinet committee comprising five cabinet members and an advisory committee with three independent members. These revisions are designed to mitigate conflicts of interest when determining trust-related matters. Despite reservations from some councillors regarding the operational logistics and conflict resolution within the new framework, Cardiff Council’s director of governance and legal services, Debbie Marles, emphasised that the Charity Commission viewed the alterations positively.
In a statement, a Cardiff Council spokesperson emphasized, “The Council has implemented fresh governance measures to ensure decisions concerning trusts are made in the trust’s best interests. Recent decisions have prompted the relocation of the school parking to Companies House. The council remains receptive to collaborating with the Charity Commission for further examination, if required, of any historical matters concerning the Maindy Park Trust.” The evolving narrative surrounding the land swap plan underscores the intricate interplay between institutional governance, trustee stewardship, and community engagement within Cardiff’s urban development landscape.