Watkin Jones, the UK’s leading developer and manager of residential for rent, is pleased to announce that the Group has recently topped out on a 718 apartment Build to Rent (‘BTR’) development, Tai Afon, which forms part of the wider Central Quay masterplan in Cardiff. This commemorative event signals that the concrete framework is now complete. This was a significant milestone for everyone involved, including Watkin Jones, Legal & General (L&G), and the subcontractors.
Forward funded by L&G, one of the UK’s leading financial services groups and a major global investor, Tai Afon will offer a range of studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a concierge service, private dining, cinema, yoga and spin studios and gym, plus roof terraces. Additionally, the development will include a public square overlooking the River Taff, complemented by over 19,500 sq. ft. of retail space.
The £200 million investment into the Central Quay development is a part of the wider £1 billion regeneration project in the Welsh capital and is helping to address the growing demand for rental housing in Cardiff. The scheme is situated near the Principality Stadium, in a prominent location less than a five-minute walk from Cardiff train station and the city centre. Cardiff offers excellent transport options to the south west of England with Bristol and Bath a short journey away and an easy commute to London.
This project aligns with the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aims of both Watkin Jones and L&G. It will meet BREAAM and Home Quality Mark standards and incorporate roof-mounted photovoltaic panels along with energy-efficient air source heat pumps for electricity and hot water generation, reaffirming our joint commitment to sustainable living.
Gwyn Pritchard, Managing Director – Construction, Watkin Jones, said: “We are delighted to announce that we have successfully topped out at Tai Afon, at Central Quay. This celebratory event marks the significant progress that has been made on this development since we broke ground back in March 2023, and it could not have been done without the dedication and efficiency of our hard working construction team. Reaching this milestone is also testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes in the Welsh capital, a city that continues to be one of the UK’s leading locations to work, live and play.
“This achievement not only marks a significant step forward for our project but also for the wider Central Quay regeneration, contributing to the future of Cardiff and we are delighted in the role Watkin Jones plays alongside L&G.”
Dan Batterton, Head of Residential, LGIM, commented: “We are thrilled to see Tai Afon reaching its next milestone and to experience the great amount of momentum behind the build. The city of Cardiff is extremely important to Legal & General with this scheme playing a key part in its regeneration. We look forward to the next stage and would like to thank our partners Watkin Jones for their continued support.”
