Residential Development - across the Millennium
Preparing the site
(Photograph by Ingrid Taylor)
After closure and demolition of the hospital, builders soon moved in and started to create the new development of houses which now stand on this lovely site. There are about 250 residences here, of different sizes and designs. The area is maturing, with some tasteful gardens, trees and a pleasant and well used playground for the children.
The children attend various schools around the area, some going to Pentyrch and onwards to Radyr. Others go to Creigiau, St. Fagans or Peterston and even as far away as Cowbridge, sometimes depending on convenience to parents’ work places. There are quite a few medical residents - some of whom, no doubt, fondly recall the old days.
The entrance on Rhydlafar Drive also carries on the medical theme with a Clinical Supply shop and a Gym (for ladies only!), whose membership is approaching 500.
Children’s play area - December 2006
(Photograph by Liz Bourne)
Neighbourhood Watch is in operation. And a dedicated police officer from Fairwater is seen here frequently - checking up on security and advising residents about the safety of their properties. The noticeboard on Prince Of Wales Drive is updated regularly with news of the surrounding areas and events. A Royal Mail post box is much appreciated as there is no other within walking distance. Everybody who lives here needs a car (or a bicycle if energetic enough!) to get to the nearest shops in Pentyrch, Creigiau or Fairwater. But there is a good half-hourly bus service into Cardiff which also goes through other shopping areas at Danescourt and Llandaff.
By way of a permanent memorial to the Prince Of Wales Hospital, the old sundial from 1918 has been retrieved, and donated to the local Community Council, who have re-erected it in St Fagans village.