Work to knock down one of Cardiff’s most-hated buildings could begin within months.
Under ambitious plans, most of the existing Maelfa shopping centre in Llanedeyrn will be demolished and new buildings built in their place.
There would also be 111 new homes and retail units as well as a new public square.
The plan is to demolish the existing shopping centre, fill in two underpasses at Llanedeyrn Drive and the other below Round Wood, demolish the foot bridge over Llanedeyrn Drive, police station and parking area.
'Rundown'
Only seven of the 23 shops are currently being used and the area had become rundown.
Discussions are ongoing to find tenants for the new shops are ongoing, but agreements have been reached with a newsagent, optician and butcher and agreements to take on the new site.
Persimmon Homes have agreed a Heads of Terms agreement for private housing at the site.
When it comes to the main Maelfa scheme, demolition work could begin this Autumn.
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As well as the main redevelopment scheme there is also a project to build a Llanedeyrn Hub at the Powerhouse.
'Action is about to happen'
Work on that is due to start in September, with land next to the former school caretaker’s house to be used for parking during the construction period. Ian Williams Ltd was given the contract.
A third element is a refurbishment of the Maelfa tower block.
Councillor Judith Woodman, Liberal Democrat councillor for Pentwyn, said: “At last we can now see real action about to happen. Works to the Powerhouse are eagerly awaited and will make a significant difference to residents and local police.
“All being well, works to redevelop Maelfa site will follow closely after, It is good news.”
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Under the plans, 50% of the homes would be affordable, made up of 22 one-bedroom flats, 16 two-bedroom flats, 19 three-bedroom townhouses and six four-bedroom townhouses.
The other homes would be 38 two bed homes and 21 three-bed houses. The homes would be two to three storeys high.
Cardiff council’s planning committee gave their backing to the Maelfa shopping centre part of the scheme in April.