Plans to convert a long-vacant former Co-op supermarket in Cardiff into 60 council flats, a community centre, and ground-floor retail space are set to advance. Cardiff Council intends to purchase the site at Medallion House on Crwys Road, which received planning approval in 2025, and deliver the homes by summer 2028.
Project Details and Timeline
The Co-op store closed in November 2021 and has remained vacant since. The development will include 28 one-bedroom apartments (for two people) and 32 two-bedroom apartments (for three people), a reduction from the originally proposed 64 flats due to concerns about building height raised by councillors. Demolition is scheduled for summer 2026, with construction beginning in late autumn 2026.
Community and Retail Spaces
The ground floor will house retail space and a community centre, which will be used by the Cathays Community Group, relocating from their current premises on Cathays Terrace. The council is working with the group to facilitate the move.
Council's Housing Strategy
The plans will be considered by Cardiff Council cabinet members on July 16, 2025. They are part of the council's commitment to deliver over 4,500 new homes across the city to address "unprecedented demand and a limited supply of good quality, affordable housing," according to Cllr Lynda Thorne, cabinet member for housing and communities. The council was approached by developer Willowmead Holdings Ltd (WHL) with an opportunity to purchase the scheme.
