The former Co-op building in Cathays, Cardiff, has become an eyesore in the area, covered in graffiti and surrounded by fencing, with piles of rubbish littering its vicinity. Residents are eager to see something done to revamp the former supermarket, known as Medallion House on Crwys Road, but plans to turn it into flats have hit a standstill. The building, which closed in November 2021, has been empty for years, prompting concerns among locals and councillors.
A proposal was submitted more than a year ago to convert the site into a retail unit, community center, and 64 affordable flats. However, no decision has been reached on the application yet. Councillor Sarah Merry, representing Cathays, expressed support for rejuvenating the building but raised concerns about the proposed housing density and building height. The loss of the Co-op impacted the community, and residents miss having a supermarket in the area, highlighting the need for both regeneration and affordable housing solutions.
The current state of Medallion House is a stark contrast to its former bustling days. Graffiti adorns its walls, rubbish accumulates near its entrance, and the site remains fenced off. Locals who pass by regularly are disheartened by its neglected appearance, with some suggesting options like shops, affordable housing, or student accommodation to breathe new life into the space. Residents have described the building as a carbuncle and an eyesore, lamenting its emptiness and advocating for its use for the local community.
Although part of the building still operates as a British Heart Foundation furniture shop, the upper floors stand vacant. Plans for Medallion House include demolishing the existing upper floors and constructing new ones to transform the site into flats, a community center, and a retail unit. The proposal, submitted to Cardiff Council in August 2023, awaits approval with no set date for a decision. As the fate of the former Co-op hangs in limbo, the community remains hopeful for a positive transformation that will benefit all residents and revive the once vibrant space.