Work underway at Manchester House as developers target summer completion

Manchester House in Caerphilly town finally has contractors on site, after renovation work was delayed due to bats in the roof.

The derelict eyesore, on the corner of Van Road and Clifton Street, was bought by Bedwas brothers Sam and Josh Jones of SJR Developments in February 2022 from its former owner Jatinder Khehra.

As planning permission for four flats on the first floor and a commercial space downstairs was already in place, the pair are glad work is finally underway.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer about the project, Josh said: “It’s been a while but we’ve had to deal with issues such as bats in the roof and waiting for funding.

“We’re hoping to have this place ready in seven to eight months and will start looking for someone to take over the commercial space in January 2024.”

Josh said interest has already been shown by several businesses.

While the building, which used to be a fashion shop and latterly a furniture store, is structurally sound with solid walls and a steel frame, it needs to be totally gutted and fitted with a new roof.

When it comes to the finances involved, Josh and Sam estimate it will cost around £600,000 to bring the property to its former glory.

Of that figure, £220,000 will be provided through the Welsh Government’s Targeted Regeneration Urban Centre Fund, which has set aside £100million for projects like these in towns across Wales.

The remaining £400,000 or so will be invested by SJR Developments, which was formed in 2018 by Sam, Josh, and their father, Richard.

While Caerphilly County Borough Council acts as administrators for the Welsh Government grant, it will not directly contribute any funding.

Josh added: “It’s all hard hats and hi-vis there now, so we just have to let the contractors crack-on.”

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s deputy leader Jamie Pritchard, who is cabinet member for regeneration, said: “I know Manchester House has been a hot topic for local residents for a number of years, so this funding has been secured to address the issue.

“The new development will be a step forward for Caerphilly town centre and will be welcomed by the community.”