Cardiff Council and national developer Wates Residential have celebrated the topping out of Block A at Channel View, marking another milestone in the transformation of the Grangetown estate.
Block A – or Tŷ y Dorlân – comprises 102 Community Living apartments over 15 storeys designed to support older residents, alongside extensive communal facilities, a rooftop terrace and a community café. The apartments have been designed to Happi standards (Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation), focussing on generous open plan space, natural light, outdoor areas including balconies for all apartments, adaptable layouts for future care needs and community-focused spaces.
Block A forms part of Phase 1 of the wider regeneration, which is being supported by Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant, and is a direct replacement for the existing high-rise flats.
It is being built to the AECB CarbonLite Standard; developed by the Association for Environment Conscious Building. The standard focuses on low-carbon design, energy efficiency and occupant health. Excellent indoor air quality, comfort, and energy performance are the main benefits to residents as well as delivery of low-energy, low-carbon buildings in line with national decarbonisation goals.
Marking the milestone, which celebrates reaching the building’s highest point and completion of the main frame, Council leader, Cllr Huw Thomas and Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Cllr Lynda Thorne joined Wates Residential’s Regional Managing Director for Wales, Edward Rees and Counsel General Julie James MS at the topping out ceremony.
Cllr Thorne, said: “Topping out Block A is a proud moment for Channel View and a tangible step towards delivering accessible and energy‑efficient homes for older residents in Grangetown.
“Only last summer we marked the topping out of Block B when we had the chance to appreciate the stunning outlook across Cardiff Bay this new building offers. It’s fantastic to see that the views from Block A do not disappoint either, and how much progress has been made since then.
“This regeneration is about re-imagining the neighbourhood – not only with new homes, but with inclusive community spaces, better links to schools, parks, shops and public transport, and a greener and safer environment for years to come.”
Ed Rees, Managing Director for Wates Residential Wales said: “Topping out Block A is a milestone that brings us closer to a revitalised Channel View where older residents can feel secure, comfortable and connected.
“Our team is deeply rooted here and we are focused on supporting local people through this project and through the community links that help the neighbourhood thrive.
“This transformation is being driven by our strong partnership with Cardiff Council and we look forward to delivering the next stages together.”
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, said: “The topping out of Block A at Channel View is a clear sign of the positive momentum behind this important regeneration. This development shows how investment through the Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant is helping to deliver high-quality, low-carbon homes that meet the needs of older people, while supporting thriving, inclusive communities.
“Channel View is an excellent example of how partnership working between local authorities and developers can transform neighbourhoods, replace outdated housing, and contribute to our wider ambitions on decarbonisation, health and wellbeing.”
The Channel View redevelopment is delivering up to 370 new, low‑carbon homes and high‑quality public spaces, replacing around 180 existing properties including the 1970s tower block, and improving connectivity across the local area.
Phase 1 comprises two buildings for older persons’ accommodation – 102 Community Living apartments in Ty y Dorlan and 24 Independent Living apartments in Block B, Trem y Môr.
Trem Y Môr is on track to be completed by the end of this year, while Ty Y Dorlan is expected to be ready by the end of 2027.
