Completion of retail units another key milestone

The new shopping parade at Loudoun Square is now complete, marking another exciting milestone in the £13million regeneration of the area.

The former 1960s shopping precinct and flats were demolished last November and the area has been transformed into a modern, vibrant shopping parade thanks to an investment of over £1 million by Cardiff Community Housing Association (CCHA).

Many of the retailers have been trading in Loudoun Square for over 30 years and their old premises were cramped and had fallen into disrepair.

CCHA and contractor, the Leadbitter Group, have worked closely with the retailers throughout the transformation. This included relocating them to temporary shops in the ground floor of new houses built on the site whilst their new retail units were being built. This innovative solution enabled them to keep their businesses open during the development.

Each retailer chose the layout, fixtures and fittings for their new premises and all 11 new shops are located on Bute Street to maximise passing trade.

Kevin Protheroe, Chief Executive of CCHA emphasised how important it was to sustain and improve local amenities during the regeneration. He said, “We have worked closely with the retailers throughout the development to enable them to keep trading and it’s great to see them up and running in their new premises. The new shops look fantastic and provide the local community with a convenient and attractive place to shop.”

Russell Houghton, Regional Director of Leadbitter’s Western Housing division, added, “Making sure the local retailers could continue trading during the construction was a key priority for us. Our site team worked with each owner to ease the transition and ensure the new shops meet everyone’s specific needs. We wish all the Loudoun Square retailers many successful years in their new locations.”

Naveed Rahman, Chair of Butetown Retail Forum and owner of Raymond’s Chip Shop said, “My father started trading in Loudoun Square in 1974 and our shop had never been updated. The old shops were run down and spread around the Square, some were empty and boarded up and the area didn’t look good. The new shops look great and as they’re are all in a row on Bute Street they’re much more visible and it’s more convenient for local people to shop.”