A £100 million housing development in Canton is set to bring over 1,000 jobs to an area blighted by unemployment.
The Ely Mill development, announced yesterday, will see up to 750 homes built on the 53-acre site, formerly of Arjo Wiggins paper mill.
Collaboration between the Welsh Government and Principality Building Society for the development includes a stipulation for local businesses and developers to allocate the majority of jobs available to the local community, boosting both employment and the construction sector.
Peter Bradburty, Labour councillor for Caerau, welcomed the plan’s confirmation.
He said: ”The important aspect is the economic development. The Welsh Assembly money comes with a social contract for developers to actively engage with the community and local businesses to bring jobs and housing to an area struggling in these tough economic times.
“It’s different in that any profit from the development will be reinvested in the area. It’s a real alternative project.”
The plans also received backing from Economy Minister Edwina Hart.
She said: “The project will have a considerable economic impact in the region and provides a great boost for the construction sector, creating jobs while also opening up significant business opportunities through the supply chain in Wales.”
The agreement between the Welsh Government and developers ensures much of the construction will be carried out by skilled workers and young apprentices from the local area.
The building phase is set to begin this summer, with the first homes available from late 2015.
