The Channel View Regeneration Project has so far been nearly a decade in the making, and this month it reached a key milestone – as we celebrate the topping out of one of the apartment blocks.
Cambria has been involved in this long-standing regeneration scheme since 2019, and we are excited to be part of the much-needed modernisation and improvement of this council-owned residential space. The project places our civil engineering expertise at the very heart of a community transformation we will see, and walk past, every day.
Naturally, when a project sits on your own doorstep, there is a deeper sense of responsibility. This isn’t just another scheme on a drawing board: it’s part of Cardiff, our city.
Then and now: Cambria’s contribution to Channel View
Cambria’s initial contribution to the project began in 2019, with the Cambria Civils team supporting the initial planning applications across Transport, Highways, Drainage and Flood Risk.
With current residents still in situ on the existing estate, we then began Phase 1: making arrangements for our future-proofed and sustainable drainage solutions to be implemented, while also working with the complexities of the current site.
We navigated complex logistics and the required phasing for the new drainage and highway infrastructure, as well as working through the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on the project and more generally.
Key project milestones
This month, we celebrated the topping out of Block A. Now standing at 15-storeys high, this is the largest apartment block within the project, and an addition to the local skyline that we can admire daily from Cambria’s base in Penarth Marina.
Channel View is a complex project with many phases involved in the delivery. Looking ahead, some key dates include:
- March 2025: determination of the Reserved Matters Application
- October 2026: commencement of Phase 2 civils work on site, pending section agreements and SAB approval
- Late 2026: Block B completion
- Late 2027: Block A Completion
The overall ambition is for full completion of the Channel View project by 2035.
Unique challenges, unique solutions
From the geography of the site to the scale of the project, Channel View has presented significant challenges for our team to overcome.
Site challenges
As a former landfill site, regenerating Channel View had the added complexity of environmental hurdles and monitoring. Additionally, its position close to the Taff river and neighbouring residents has limited construction site access to one singular access point, from Channel View Road. We have had to be conscious of any possible encroachment into the Marl park, as well as balancing parking provision with necessary tree planting and raingardens.
Unusual obstacles
A global pandemic is not something we have to contend with regularly, but the arrival of Covid-19 several months after the beginning of our involvement in Channel View added an additional layer of complexity to the project. It was difficult at times to conduct surveys on site, and extra effort was required to maintain the project’s momentum.
Project complexity
The project’s phase interfaces are particularly complex due to the need to rehouse existing residents as the construction progresses through the site. There is also the pressure to ensure we install infrastructure that is future-proofed for the next stages of the development and beyond.
Looking ahead: the new Channel View
Despite the significance of Block A’s topping out, there is still much work to be done on this exciting local project. Currently, our work and its impact is mostly hidden below ground – but this will change when we begin installing the carefully designed above-ground sustainable drainage features, which will include raingardens, swales and permeable paving. All of this will contribute to the creation of ‘green streets’ in Channel View, with informal play areas and a public square complimenting the works within the Marl.
Reflecting on the project so far, Cambria Director Ben Whyman said: “While Channel View has been one of the most technically demanding projects I have worked on to date, it is also one of the most rewarding. The regeneration of the residential units here has long been needed, and it is a privilege to be involved in the process.
“I am looking forward to seeing all our sustainable drainage designs and features come to life, and seeing the impact of the re-designed site on the local community – my community.”
