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Exciting new plans for major business development in Risca

July 2005

Earlier this year it was announced that a company with its roots in Ireland had bought a large factory building at Pontymister, near Risca, - once owned by Corus, and often referred to locally as the Cashmores building.

The company, Goodwins Timber Frame, has acquired not just the factory building, but also the seven-and-a-half acre site on which it is located. Improvements are already underway on the 80,000 ft2 building which dominates the site. Inside they have installed state-of-the-art computer controlled machinery to make timber framed housing kits for one of the most rapidly growing sectors of the building industry. In addition the company fabricates roof trusses and engineered lightweight joists for general construction. The aim is to turn Goodwins into a significant manufacturing facility which will provide up to 60 new jobs by the end of 2006.

Now the company is unveiling plans to re-develop the rest of this very large site by creating a mixture of modern, high quality office buildings and a number of new units for light industrial use.

This exciting proposal will provide an attractively designed employment environment for up to 200 people at a unique riverside location. Within the business complex there will be ample car parking and the entire area will be sympathetically landscaped in recognition of its riverside setting.

The proposed development will, if approved, provide the area to the north of Newport, with its first substantial, high quality office accommodation for many years. Located adjacent to the A467 the site benefits from excellent access to Newport, the M4 and the rest of the Ebbw Valley area.

Included in the plans is a proposal for a brand new, self contained, two-storey luxury office block, designed in an attractive V-shape and providing 14,000 ft2 of high quality office accommodation. It is thought that this building would ideally suit a single business occupant.

Other new office accommodation will be formed by the addition of a three-storey wing to one side of the existing factory building, of which 8,000 ft2 will provide office accommodation for Goodwins’ own staff. Designed with eye-catching glass-fronted curtain walling, these offices will provide an attractive focus to the existing building which will be extensively re-furbished in line with the rest of the new buildings.

On the River Ebbw side of the main building will be 31 light industrial units for mixed use, offering a total floor space of 31,335 ft2. These will incorporate curved shapes and varied roof heights to lend contrast and texture to the appearance of the development.

Improved road access into the site will be provided from the existing roads at both ends of the building. State-of-the-art security systems will ensure that the site is constantly protected and maintained, thus reducing the risk of vandalism and decay, and contrasting considerably with the situation in the recent past.

General Manager of Goodwins Timber Frame, John Goodacre, says, “This development will renew and revitalise the whole area around Pontymister and Risca. It will not only provide employment potential for up to 200 people, but will also dramatically improve the appearance of the building and the surrounding environment. For some time past this location has sadly been regarded as little more than a large eyesore. We hope that, if our plans are approved, we can transform this once neglected area into a thriving and vibrant commercial community. A successful development like this brings a wide range of long-term benefits to many in the area; not just to those who work in the new units. Residents will also gain in terms of improved security for the area, improved visual amenity, economic prosperity for many other local businesses and the community as a whole.”

Goodwins have been supported by the Welsh Development Agency and the company has also received encouragement and advice with regards to these proposals from the Economic Development office of Caerphilly Borough Council as well as a number of local Councillors.

For more information please contact John Goodacre
Goodwins Timber Frame
Newport Road
Pontymister
NP11 6EX
Tel: 0845 609 9090
Fax: 01633 619469
E mail: info@goodwinsworld.co.uk

For press information contact Kay Hobday at Full House Productions
Tel: 01454 310246
Fax: 01454 880404
Mobile: 07774 816534
Email: kay@fullhouseproductions.co.uk