Bridgend’s landmark Rhiw development has now completed, creating a new 242-space car park, commercial units and a 28-unit new waterside apartment scheme in the town centre.
Pick Everard, the independent property, construction and infrastructure consultancy, managed the delivery of the £10m scheme which has marked a huge milestone in the redevelopment of the South Wales town.
Mike Petersen, Director at Pick Everard and the development’s Project Manager, commented: “We worked closely with our client, Coastal Housing Group, our construction partners and Bridgend County Borough Council to ensure that the scheme was delivered on time and we’re delighted that both the car park and residential scheme are now completed.”
Pick Everard oversaw the demolition of the existing Rhiw multi-storey car park and overhead concrete walkway managing the challenges presented in terms of working on such a tight site with restricted access and in the centre of the town.
Mike continued: “The project represents an important investment in the town. The original car park was outdated and in poor condition. The new multi-storey car park was designed to enable an increase in visitor numbers to the town centre and provide a boost to the local economy. It is spread over seven levels, with disabled access and features a ticketless payment system
“The residential scheme sits adjacent and comprises 28 apartments, which are in a prime position on the riverfront and have their own dedicated parking. All of these units are now fully allocated, which is fantastic news.
“Bounded by a cliff face on one side, with the Rhiw bridge access road, shopping centre and the river to the west this new-build offers modern facilities and makes full use of the landlocked site.
“Planning requirements, budget and time issues presented by grant funding were just a few of the matters that needed to be overcome during the design and construction of the project. To combat this, we ensured that we conducted a proactive and assertive approach to project management, had a clear communication and financial management strategy as well as a comprehensive programme and planning throughout the process.”
Coastal Housing Group, the affordable home provider for South Wales, was one of the scheme’s investors. Gareth Davies, Director at Coastal Housing, said: “This residential provision will go a long way to providing quality, affordable homes enabling more people to relocate to the town centre.
“This is the biggest development that’s happened for a long time in Bridgend and it is a big part of the regeneration plans to transform the town centre. Large scale investments of this nature are instrumental in reviving the local economy and we’re proud to be involved.
“Mike and his team at Pick Everard provided us with regular updates throughout and managed the project efficiently, ensuring that work was completed on schedule and to budget. Working together was a really positive experience.”
Kier Construction completed the work at the Rhiw development, which was funded by the Welsh Government, Coastal Housing Group and Bridgend County Borough Council.
