Llys Cadwyn has been identified as ‘exemplar’ in national awards
Written by Gavin on 1st November 2021
The Llys Cadwyn development in Pontypridd has been Highly Commended in the British Construction Industry Awards – judged on varying criteria from its final delivery to community engagement and use of sustainable materials.
Earlier this year Llys Cadwyn – Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s £38m flagship development which was delivered in partnership with contractor Willmott Dixon and lead consultant Hydrock – was shortlisted in the Commercial Property Project of the Year category of the construction sector’s most prestigious awards.
Run by the Institute of Civil Engineers and New Civil Engineer, the 2021 Awards took place in October and recognised excellence in projects – relating to their delivery and the positive outcomes for communities. The Commercial Property Project of the Year category was focused on five judging criteria – outcome, digital mindset, reducing carbon, collaborative working and ‘getting it right’ (in reference to a positive working environment and strong values).
Llys Cadwyn is an office-led, mixed-use development which has transformed the derelict former Taff Vale Shopping Centre site into three state-of-the-art buildings. The Council is operating 1 Llys Cadwyn (near Bridge Street), which includes a 21st Century library, customer contact point and a fitness centre.
Number 2 Llys Cadwyn (centre building) contains Grade A office floorspace and a food/drink unit, while 3 Llys Cadwyn is the new home of South Wales Metro operator Transport for Wales, Bradleys Coffee shop and Gatto Lounge.
In highly commending the project, judges in the British Construction Industry Awards have noted that: “The Llys Cadwyn redevelopment is an exemplar demonstration of collaboration both within the project team and with the surrounding community.” They continued: “The client demonstrated a determined approach to realising this development, the team embraced their approach to sustainability and brought training and employment opportunities for the local area both during the development and on its completion.”
Councillor Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Housing, said: “Llys Cadwyn is providing Pontypridd with a development that we can be proud of, revitalising a strategic site at the gateway into the town which had lay derelict for years. It is now home to a new library, fitness centre and customer contact point, while it has improved pedestrian access to the park and welcomed Transport for Wales, Bradleys Coffee and Gatto Lounge – which are fantastic assets to Pontypridd.
“I’m very pleased that Llys Cadwyn has been Highly Commended within the prestigious national awards, recognising the excellent work by everyone involved. While the final development has been a great success, the project has always been more than just the three new buildings – and it is pleasing to see that activity such as community engagement, the focus on sustainability and sourcing materials and labour locally were praised by the judges.
“This is the second major award that has recognised Llys Cadwyn in this way, having secured prestigious accolades at the Cardiff Property Awards during April – including the overall ‘Winner of Winners Awards’ across all categories.”
Richard Jones, Director at Willmott Dixon, added: “We are delighted that the work at Llys Cadwyn has been recognised by the judging panel of the awards. The development has significantly rejuvenated the area, reaffirming Pontypridd as a strategically important town in the region. The project was designed to achieve BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating and fully incorporates sustainable energy to generate heat and electric, from PV’s on the roof to one of the first hydrogen fuel cells CHP systems in Wales.
“In addition, the project has delivered training and career opportunities for local people, with 67% of the people working on the site from within a 40 miles radius of the project. To receive Highly Commended is a real testament to the commitment and dedication of all those who were involved in delivery of this project.”
During Willmott Dixon’s involvement in the scheme, it carried out almost 4,000 weeks of training, interacted with more than 4,200 local students, and engaged young people through its mentoring and recruitment programme.
The company sourced 21.97% of labour for the project within 10 miles and 56% within 20 miles, while 60% of the materials used were certified as responsibly-sourced. It also exceeded Welsh Government’s key performance indicator (10%) for recycled content in materials, by achieving 17.34%.