**Major Demolition Set to Begin at Disused Caerphilly Office Building**
A significant phase of urban renewal is about to commence in Caerphilly as plans progress to demolish the long-vacant Llys Ifor office building on Crescent Road. The structure, which sits just a short walk from the iconic Caerphilly Castle, has stood empty for some time, prompting concern among local residents and political figures regarding its future.
Permission was initially granted in 2021 to redevelop the site, with designs proposing 29 new apartments for residents aged over 55. However, physical changes at the site have not yet materialised—until now. In a recent move, Wales and West Housing have stepped forward, submitting documents to Caerphilly County Borough Council outlining the intended demolition and site clearance. These actions are being heralded as the first tangible signs that redevelopment could soon be underway.
According to planning papers provided by agents at Asbri Planning, the demolition will involve stripping the building back to its foundations, including the removal of hazardous materials such as asbestos. Merthyr Salvage, the contractor listed, emphasised that the land would be left in a “clean and tidy” condition once works conclude. This measures up to typical standards for site remediation, especially when there are plans for sensitive re-use, such as housing for older people.
One foreseeable disruption during this process is the temporary closure of the public footpath along the northern edge of Crescent Road. For about a week, pedestrian access will be restricted while protective scaffolding is erected around the work zone. While this might inconvenience locals and visitors, such precautions are considered routine when managing large-scale demolition projects in urban centres.
Further complicating matters is the recent request to amend the original planning approvals. The developer has asked the council for permission to alter the sequence of works, allowing demolition to proceed ahead of full details for the subsequent development. This step can sometimes help speed up the overall process, but it also means there could be a further wait before construction of the new apartments begins.
Cllr Lindsay Whittle, leader of the Plaid Cymru opposition on the council and a vocal advocate for action on Llys Ifor, has repeatedly pressed the authority to take stronger measures. He suggested, in a previous interview, that the council should issue a compulsory purchase order if progress stalled, comparing the neglected site’s status to the hypothetical scenario of “an eyesore building opposite Windsor Castle lying derelict for years”. He maintains that existing council powers should be used to at least improve the building and its immediate surroundings, stating, “nothing is being done to sort out the immediate problem”.
When approached for comment on these renewed calls for direct action, a council spokesperson reiterated that Caerphilly Council remains committed to exploring every possible route to bring the site into use and contribute to the regeneration of the town centre. It is understood that the redevelopment of Llys Ifor forms a key part of broader ambitions to refresh the urban landscape and boost local amenities.
As originally proposed, the project was not solely limited to age-restricted flats. Early plans included a ground-floor retail unit and even a rest facility for coach drivers—potential features intended to serve both the local community and visitors. Council planning officers previously described the site as offering a “unique opportunity” due to its central location, the shortage of suitable housing for older people, and the chance to add to the town’s retail sector.
While questions remain about the final timeline and overall design, the movement towards demolition is widely seen as a necessary first step. Local stakeholders and residents will be watching closely as this important town centre site is cleared, hopeful that positive transformation will follow in its wake.
In the weeks to come, all eyes in Caerphilly will be on Crescent Road, as contractors set about removing one of its most visible derelict structures—hopefully paving the way for a more vibrant and inclusive future for the heart of the town.