A newly refurbished hostel will open in the city this spring. This innovative development, based in Ely, is the result of a partnership between Cardiff Council and local housing association, Cadwyn.
The Greenfarm Development will be officially opened on March 15 by Executive Member for Communities, Housing and Social Justice Cllr Judith Woodman.
The hostel will provide 25 bed spaces for homeless families which meet and exceed the Welsh Government’s revised temporary accommodation standards. The hostel has been converted from an old farmhouse which has been renovated to create an attractive and tranquil setting for vulnerable families in the city.
All rooms are ensuite, have cooking facilities and are designed to be energy efficient. Sustainable credentials include a bio-mass boiler, high insulation levels and a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system.
All rooms are suitable for those with a disability and the hostel provides a safe environment for children to play in the secure mature gardens. Other facilities include activity rooms, an IT suite and an Enterprise Workshop.
Alongside the hostel, ten houses have been built that will be owned and managed by Cadwyn. One of the houses has been designed to be suitable for families with specific disability needs.
Deputy Leader for Cardiff Council and Executive Member for Communities, Housing and Social Justice, Cllr Judith Woodman, said: “Providing families with a safe and secure environment to live in is a priority for Cardiff Council. Greenfarm will provide cutting edge provision for vulnerable members of the community.
“ We have worked closely with Cadwyn to create a unique scheme which includes a hostel, social housing and two training rooms, which will help provide skills training for those living at Greenfarm.
“It’s a great privilege to see the centre opening and I’m looking forward to seeing families use the space.”
Chris O’Meara, Chief Executive of Cadwyn said, “We work closely with the Council to reduce homelessness in the City. Important to both of us is that we help reduce the trauma of homelessness on families and help them rebuild their lives. A high quality building designed with their needs in mind is an essential element.”
