Cardiff set to approve £25m re-cladding project

Plans for a £25m investment in two blocks of flats in the Butetown are of the city are in the pipeline as part of the council's high-rise recladding scheme.

Nelson House and Loudoun House in Butetown are the next of the council's blocks to undergo recladding and improvement works in phase two of the programme.

A council cabinet meeting this week is being recommended to approve the start of procurement for the work. The council aims to appoint a contractor before the end of this year with construction expected to begin in January 2026.

Five council high rise blocks in Cardiff were identified as in need of re-cladding in surveys that followed the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire.

While the retro-fitted, external cladding systems on Cardiff high rise blocks was not the same as the highly flammable ACM-type that was used at Grenfell, it did not meet current fire safety standards.

Recladding and improvement works, including new windows and balconies, at the three blocks at Lydstep Flats, is nearing completion. Proposals for the second phase of the project at Nelson House and Loudoun House will be considered by cabinet at its next meeting on Thursday 21^st March 2024.

Cladding was not removed from Loudoun House at that time as the building was considered lower risk with two stairwells and a 24/7 fire watch, which remains in place.

As part of the construction, the new cladding system will be fire tested to give assurance that the intended products and systems are safe for use.  Residents of the 181 flats across the two blocks will be involved in the final choice of cladding design, the council said.

Cabinet member for housing and communities, Cllr Lynda Thorne, said: “"The safety of residents in our high rise flats is of paramount importance and while the recladding scheme at Lydstep Flats took longer than we expected for various reasons, the result has been worth the wait with cladding of the highest level of fire safety, improved thermal efficiency for residents, and the upgraded appearance of the three blocks which enhances the local surroundings.

“We've learned some lessons along the way and will be utilising that knowledge as we begin the process for Nelson and Loudoun Houses.”

The scope of the works include the removal of cladding from Loudoun House, the installation of a new cladding system to both blocks, new windows, a replacement roof covering of a concierge block and some boiler replacements and gas works.

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