Lovell and Cardiff Council break ground on first development under major housing partnership

Leading developer Lovell and Cardiff Council have broken ground on a brand-new development in Brynfedw, Llanedeyrn, on the site of the former New Penn pub. The scheme is the first to be delivered under the major Cardiff and Vale housing partnership, marking the beginning of the large-scale programme set to deliver around 2,500 new homes.

The New Penn scheme will transform the brownfield site of a disused public house, that closed in 2021, into a sustainable community of 11 high-quality affordable homes. All homes will be managed by Cardiff Council and available via social rent, helping to meet local housing needs.

To reduce carbon emissions and long-term running costs for residents, the homes are being constructed using off-site manufactured timber frames, to improve build quality, reduce waste and ensure all properties are highly insulated. Solar PV panels will also be installed, alongside air source heat pumps and low-energy lighting.

Future residents will benefit from a host of local amenities and community services all within walking distance, strong public transport links and green open spaces. The Llanedeyrn Woodland Complex is adjacent to the development, providing easy access to green corridors and walking routes, helping to enhance both residents’ wellbeing and biodiversity. The development itself will also feature native landscaping and secure cycle storage.

The £4.5 million redevelopment is being delivered by Lovell for Cardiff Council as a design and build scheme. Over the course of the project, which is due to complete in January 2027, Lovell will create new employment opportunities for local people, including apprenticeships and work placements.

Shane Jay, Project Director at Lovell, said: “We are immensely proud to have broken ground on the New Penn development and commenced work on the impactful Cardiff and Vale housing partnership. This project will transform what was a redundant site into a high-quality and sustainable new community, and one that is wholly affordable to address local housing needs.

“As the first scheme under the Cardiff and Vale partnership, New Penn is a hugely significant project for us and Cardiff Council, setting a benchmark for future developments delivered within the programme.

“At Lovell, we have been working collaboratively with partners and regenerating brownfield sites into vibrant new communities for over 40 years, delivering much needed housing and sustainable public spaces, and we are excited to be adding New Penn to our growing portfolio.”

Cllr Lynda Thorne, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities on Cardiff Council, said: “Today’s sod cutting marks an important milestone for this site and for the local community. This development will transform a disused brownfield site into much needed, high quality council homes that are energy efficient, well-designed and fit for modern living.

“It’s another example of our commitment to increasing the supply of affordable housing and creating sustainable neighbourhoods across Cardiff.”

The Cardiff and Vale housing partnership will deliver around 2,500 new homes for Cardiff Council and Vale of Glamorgan Council, provided by Lovell over 25 developments and constructed over the next 10 years. At least 50 per cent of the homes will be affordable properties available via social rent or Shared Ownership, and the remainder will be open market sale homes.

To find out more about the New Penn development, visit https://www.devandregencardiff.co.uk/housing/thenewpennredevelopment/.