Sneak peek of town ‘eyesore’ after £250k redevelopment

Flats at a once-dilapidated “eyesore” in Caerphilly town centre are set to go on sale after a £250,000 redevelopment.

The former Ladies Lounge store on Cardiff Road had been subject to a number of complaints about its condition.

However the site is now home to two two-bedroom flats and a one-bedroom penthouse offering panoramic views of the Caerphilly basin.

But the project encountered a number of problems during redevelopment.

Simon Rees of developers Celtstone Construction said: “We paid a company to fabricate the top floor, but they went bust and we were left without a top floor and a roof.

“It took us back about £60,000.”

While development was on pause, Caerphilly County Borough Council took action against the developers under the Town and Country Planning Act.

Project Manager Alan Way, of Celtstone Construction, told Caerphilly Observer the flats were originally meant to be ready by September 2016.

But Mr Way said he expects the development to be completed within a couple of weeks.

“It was a nightmare. We had to pay for scaffolding even though we were unable to work on it for a year, which cost £13,000. After that, we had to pay £800 a month for the scaffolding – it had to be done for safety reasons”, said Mr Way.

“It’s been a long road but we can see the horizon now. It’s nice to see it come together.

“I’m hoping this can help regenerate Caerphilly. These buildings need new life breathed into them.

“I’m excited about it. It gives me a buzz.”

Mr Way also told Caerphilly Observer the bottom floor is set to become two offices and a shop.

The flats, which come with residents’ parking, are set to go on sale soon with the two-bedroom flats coming in at £180,000 each and the one-bedroom penthouse up for £160,000.