Demolition of former HMRC building in Cardiff begins

Work has commenced on the demolition of the former HMRC office building at Tŷ Glas in Llanishen.

Following the securing of prior planning permission with conditions for demolition in August last year, these conditions have now been discharged and full structural demolition has started.

The Council acquired the Tŷ Glas site in October 2021 to provide a clear site to bring forward strategic education proposals under the Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme. There are currently no specific plans for the site and any future proposals would be subject to community engagement as well as consultation via the planning process.

Now, with the discharge of conditions approved, demolition contractor Erith, who have been on site since March carrying out work to remove non-structural fixtures and fittings, have begun the demolition proper which is expected to take around a year.

Residents living near the site are being kept informed of developments and mitigation measures are in place to minimise the impact of the work on the local community.

Cabinet Member forInvestment and Development,Cllr Russell Goodway, said: “We understand that a demolition of this scale and over a such a period of time will be of concern to some people in the area but want to give reassurances that plans are in place to ensure the impact of this work is minimised as much as possible.

“We know there will be some disruption and in advance, we are grateful for residents’ and local businesses’ patience as we carry out this work that will ultimately pave the way for considerable investment in education provision in this part of the city in the future.”

A Demolition and Environmental Management Plan for the site has been reviewed in detail by the Local Planning Authority and all statutory consultees, includingShared Regulatory Services (SRS) to ensureasbestos removal at the site is in line with all safe procedures.

Erith is a licensed contractor, registered to remove asbestos and will be putting the following measures in place:

• Monitoring stations for noise, dust and vibration will be on site to protect staff and residents
• Dust suppression using mains water
• Traffic plans with main site access opposite Marks & Spencer on the nearby retail park to avoid heavy movements on Tŷ Glas Road. It is not envisaged any roads will be closed for the work.
• Following strict guidance and regulation of all matters relating to asbestos removal.  Special enclosures will be built around the asbestos work area to contain dust and waste, preventing materials spreading to the surrounding environment.
• All asbestos will be removed from each building prior to demolition.
• Permitted working hours 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday, 8am – 1pm on Saturdays. No work on Sundays or public/bank holidays without written consent from Neighbourhood Services, except if an emergency response is necessary.