Cofton Ltd - Industrial Development - Llanilid, Valleywood

Date: 22 Jul 2005

Cofton (Wales) Ltd, subsidiary of the Birmingham-based Cofton Ltd, agreed in 2001 a joint venture with landowner Celtic Energy to develop the 700-acre ex-quarry at Llanilid. Cofton Ltd specialise in the regeneration of problematic brownfield sites for delivery to clients in the private and public sector.

Westair Properties is developing 317 acres of the site, reserved by Joseph Villard Partnership, for Dragon International Studios. Local businessman Stuart Villard is chairman of Westair Properties and partner with Hopkin Johnson in Joseph Villard Partnership.

Yesterday, Cofton Ltd commenced work on preparation and infrastructure of the site for the development of the initial 300,000sqft silent studios. In addition to the new traffic island and a 100 meter access road from the A437 into the site, Cofton will embark on a new motorway junction, situated between junctions 34 and 35. This will allow direct access to the south side of the site from South Wales' main artery road. The project, costing approximately £20m, will be complete in Spring 2008.

Such is the demand for studios in Wales, the first five known as Dragon Plus, will be open at the end of February 2005 for TV drama and low budget movie productions. Subject to detailing planning permission, construction of Dragon International Studios' main complex, 'studio village' in the middle of the site will begin in October 2005 and completed by Spring 2007.

Outline planning consent has been secured for the remainder of the site to include a theme park, new hospital, 'headquarter' and media business parks, hotel, conference centre, restaurants, golf course and nature reserves. Luxury homes will be built on the site to accommodate actors and production crews using the studios.

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council plan a new train station on the Cardiff to Swansea line to service the studios and theme park.

Artist impression of Valleywood, Llanilid, South Wales. Images: Holder Mathias Architects

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