Extra Care development reaches new heights

A traditional topping out ceremony has been held at Golau Caredig, a new high-quality extra care apartment scheme for older residents in Barry.

The £7.2 million scheme of 42 apartments is under construction on the site of the town’s former Theatre Royal.

As part of the ceremony, dignitaries raised a yew tree to the top of the building, a Scandinavian tradition which was brought to Britain with the Vikings, marking the milestone of the building reaching its highest point.

The event, which took place on Friday 8th November, was held by Leadbitter, a Bouygues UK company, which is building the scheme, and its client Hafod Care Association (part of the Hendre Group), which will provide care and support for residents. They were joined by representatives of the Vale of Glamorgan County Borough Council.

Rob Bradley, Managing Director of Leadbitter and Bouygues UK’s Western team, said: “It is always a significant moment when a building reaches its highest point and it is traditional to mark this event with a ceremony which is said to bring good fortune to the building. We are very proud of this development, which will provide welcome accommodation for the over 55s in Barry.”

Robert Wathen, Managing Director of Hafod Care, said: “We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan, the Welsh Government and Leadbitter to provide what will be superb housing and support facilities for the people of Barry.”

Golau Ceredig has been designed by Cardiff-based architectural practice, Pentan Partnership. The unique building will boast a restaurant on the top floor, together with an internal atrium to flood the building with natural light. Features of the original cinema, such as external iron columns and the projection room shutters, are being preserved and incorporated into the new development.