**Cardiff Council Unveils Range of Neighbourhood Projects to Revitalise Communities Across the Capital**
A swathe of neighbourhood improvement projects has been announced across Cardiff, promising to deliver significant enhancements to local play areas, shopping districts and public spaces over the coming year. Backed by a combination of UK Government Shared Prosperity Funding and Cardiff Council’s own resources, the initiative is aimed at injecting over £2 million into priority areas throughout the city.
The funding, part of the council’s ongoing Neighbourhood Renewal Schemes (NRS) for 2025, has been earmarked following proposals submitted by local councillors. Out of 27 submissions, nine projects have been selected for implementation after careful consideration of local needs and potential impact. These improvements are part of a broader commitment by the Council to invest in sustainable, accessible, and attractive environments for Cardiff’s residents and businesses.
Councillor Lee Bridgeman, who serves as the Cabinet member for housing and communities, stressed the importance of these developments, saying, “Neighbourhood renewal is critical to strengthening our communities and ensuring that neighbourhoods across Cardiff can thrive. This year’s projects showcase our determination to respond to the priorities of residents and support the ongoing regeneration of our city’s most cherished spaces.”
Since the NRS initiative was first launched in 2000, some 127 regeneration schemes have been delivered across Cardiff, demonstrating the Council’s long-term approach to community investment. This year’s selected projects represent a clear focus on enhancing everyday amenities, especially green spaces and commercial hubs, many of which serve as vital focal points for their respective communities.
Among the flagship projects is the planned upgrading of the retail environment on Lower Cathedral Road in Riverside, targeting both environmental improvement and increased accessibility for shoppers and businesses. In Llanrumney, the popular Countisbury Avenue shops will benefit from a facelift designed to support local enterprise and better serve surrounding neighbourhoods such as Rumney and Trowbridge.
Grangetown is slated for public realm improvements around Merches Place and adjacent road ends, seeking to improve pedestrian experience and the general ambience of these busy urban areas. Similarly, Caerau will see the creation of a new playground and open space on Church Road, after the former play area suffered repeated vandalism and fell out of use.
Attention is also being paid to inclusive recreation. At Hailey Park in Llandaff North, the existing multi-use games area (MUGA) will be relocated and modernised to offer more accessible, up-to-date sporting opportunities. Fairwater’s Chorley Close playground is set for a comprehensive refurbishment, with new equipment and surfaces envisioned to create a high-quality, family-friendly destination.
Pedestrian and traffic safety have not been overlooked. Cathays will see the junction of Gelligaer Street and Maindy Road reconfigured to favour walkers, with wider pavements, a narrowed roadway, and added greenery in the pipeline. Existing MUGAs in Maindy Park will also be enhanced with new artwork and improved access.
Other schemes include refurbishment of the village centre street scene in Rhiwbina, enhancing its well-loved shopping area, and sustainable public realm improvements for the cluster of shops along Caerphilly Road in Heath. Both ventures aim to create more attractive and welcoming local retail environments, supporting both economic vitality and community pride.
These transformative neighbourhood projects form a critical pillar of Cardiff’s response to residents’ calls for improved public spaces and greener, safer, and more inclusive locales. With work set to begin this year, communities across the capital look forward to the tangible benefits these investments will bring to daily life. The council, meanwhile, expresses confidence that continued regeneration will help ensure Cardiff remains a vibrant and appealing place to live for generations to come.