End of Week Message from Rob

31 July 2026

Helo Bawb,

There are buildings across the Vale that have played an important role in our communities for generations. While some have fallen out of use over time – some innovative thinking, worthwhile investment and a lot of hard work can give them a new purpose.

This week's update focuses on some of that work, where older buildings are being given a new purpose and transformed into spaces that once again make a real difference to the people and communities they serve.

These projects also directly reflect our Vale 2030 vision of Strong Communities with a Bright Future. By investing in our places, people and services, these projects are helping create great places to live, work and visit while supporting our communities now and into the future.

One fantastic example is Cadoxton House in Barry.

Although originally scheduled for completion in mid-August, the project reached completion ahead of schedule this month – a brilliant achievement by everyone involved.

The former three-storey office building has been transformed into modern, energy-efficient one-bedroom apartments, providing much-needed short-term accommodation for single people at risk of homelessness. More than simply refurbishing an existing building, we've created a safe and supportive stepping stone for people as they move towards permanent housing.

It is another example of how our wider housebuilding and regeneration programme is making the very best use of existing buildings while helping to meet local housing need.

Another exciting development nearing completion is the redevelopment of the former Cowbridge Police Station.

Many will recognise this iconic Grade II listed building, and it's wonderful to see it being carefully preserved and refurbished while being given a completely new purpose.

Built in 1862, the old Cowbridge Police Station is one of the area's most significant historic buildings. Constructed by local builder M. Moore, it is an early example of a purpose-built police station, built following national legislation introduced to establish modern police forces and dedicated police buildings across the country. 

The building later underwent further additions around 1900 and has remained an important part of Cowbridge's history ever since.

The new redevelopment combines the sensitive conversion of the historic police station into a number of one-bedroom apartments alongside a contemporary new building on the site of the old Magistrate’s Court to the rear. Together, the scheme will deliver 14 high-quality homes for people aged over 55 at social rent.

The project has carefully balanced protecting the building's heritage – by retaining many of the buildings original features - with providing modern, accessible homes that will support older residents to live independently in their community. 

A huge thank you to our Housing and Building Services teams - who have helped bring both the Cadoxton House and Cowbridge Police Station projects to life. 

These developments are the result of months - and sometimes years - of planning, collaboration and dedication, and you should all be incredibly proud of what you've achieved - gwaith arbenning!

It’s not just housing where we're seeing old buildings given a fresh lease of life.

Many of you will already have heard about the opening of Morio Lounge at Nell's Point on Barry Island.

The former Victorian public conveniences have been transformed into a vibrant new restaurant overlooking Whitmore Bay, with much of the original structure carefully retained. The result is a fantastic addition to Barry Island that celebrates the building's heritage while creating a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike. Similar work is also being considered for the Kymin building in Penarth, another much-loved historic building in the Vale, as we explore options for its future use.

Projects like these don't happen overnight and they certainly don't happen by accident.

Behind every successful development are teams from across the Council working together to deliver the best possible outcomes for our residents, visitors and local businesses alike.

One of the ways we ensure these significant projects continue moving in the right direction is through our Major Projects Board, which I am pleased to chair.

The Board provides strategic oversight of the Council's major projects portfolio, giving colleagues across the Council visibility of progress, risks, budgets and key milestones. It creates an opportunity for project teams to share updates, highlight challenges and ensure support is available when matters stall. Just as importantly, it also helps us make sure projects remain aligned with our own priorities as an organisation.

While we've been talking about breathing new life into buildings, we're also refreshing the way we work too.

Many of you will soon notice some changes to the #Itsaboutme process.

These conversations have always been the most important part of our appraisal process, and that isn't changing. What is changing is the way we capture them.

Rather than trying to remember a year's worth of achievements, objectives and development conversations all at once, the new approach allows managers and team members to record those conversations as they happen throughout the year.

Less paperwork. Less trying to remember everything twelve months later. More meaningful conversations that grow alongside you.

Your first #Itsaboutme conversation should be taking place by 31 October 2026, with managers and team members agreeing together how they'll manage their shared record going forward.

We've also created a series of short videos and guidance to help you get started.

This week's stories have all been about giving something a fresh start. Whether that's breathing new life into historic buildings or finding new ways to support the people who make our organisation what it is.

Creating opportunities for colleagues to connect, share experiences and support one another is just as important as investing in our places. That's why I'd like to finish by highlighting The 60 Dilemma.

If you're approaching 60, have recently celebrated the milestone, or simply find yourself navigating this new stage of life, you may be interested in The 60 Dilemma.

The group offers a relaxed opportunity to meet colleagues, share experiences and shape future activities together over a cup of tea and a friendly conversation.

The next session takes place on Tuesday 18 August, from 12 noon until 1pm at Barry Community Enterprise Centre. Whether you're looking to meet new people, share ideas or simply enjoy a chat, everyone is welcome, and please do share the invitation with colleagues who may be interested.

As always, thank you for everything you continue to do for our residents, communities and for one another. 

For those of you who are taking some well-earned time off, I hope you have a lovely, restful weekend. 

Take care and enjoy your weekend.

Diolch,

Rob