Work to transform a former derelict building in Bridgend town centre has brought the premises back into use as a successful local business and new affordable accommodation.
Located at 11 Nolton Street, the privately-owned building was most recently used as a McDonalds restaurant until it closed in 2006. The building then stood vacant for almost 10 years before it was purchased by Swansea-based housing association, Coastal Housing.
Coastal Housing carried out extensive renovations on the building by accessing Welsh Government social housing grant support in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council, and the site now houses affordable apartments on the upper floors as well as a popular restaurant, La Cocina, which occupies a ground-floor commercial unit.
The work was also backed by Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Grant, which funded the fitting out of two commercial units on the site.
It is fantastic to see how this town centre building, which has been derelict for a number of years, has received a new lease of life.
By working together in partnership, Bridgend County Borough Council, Welsh Government, Coastal Housing and the owners of La Cocina have brought the premises back into use not only as a vibrant local business, but as a source of affordable housing which fits in with our vision of creating a thriving new community of people, living and working at the heart of the town centre, who can support local trade.”
Councillor Charles Smith, Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration
Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters, said: “I am pleased that we’ve been able to contribute to this important project via our Social Housing Grant and Transforming Towns programmes which provide social housing as well as support for the economic and social recovery of our town and city centres across Wales.
“Restoring this building which has been derelict for a number of years will be a great boost to the community in Bridgend.”
Dan Apsee, owner of La Cocina, added: “The works carried out and the restaurant fit-out were largely down to working in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council. Not only did this enable us to redevelop the building on Nolton Street, it helped bring our vibrant tapas restaurant and cocktail bar back into use.”
