Plans revealed to transform park
A PLAN to add a community cafe, garden, nursery, mental health group and food bank to a Caerau park has been announced.
Trelai Park’s potential 300 square metre extension will be L-shaped and divided in to two parts - one part will create a bigger play area for local preschool Flying Street, and the second part will house a community space in a bid to prevent anti-social behaviour in the area.
The idea was introduced by ACE Caerau and Ely Sports Trust although it had been planned roughly six years ago.
Joey Goode, chairman of ACE Caerau and Ely Sports Trust, said: “We’ve met with the team at Green Park to help make part of the space a green space for the community and make it Green Flag awarded, which ensures the garden will be maintained to good standards.
“We want to convert existing buildings into a full community cafe with benches outside and mini allotments where people can grow their own values. We are hoping to have a ‘man in the shed’ group where men can go down and talk and grow things.
“We’re aiming to use the local produce that’s grown going back through the community cafe as well.
“The Flying Start is nearly at capacity so we are extending the space so a lot more children are able to go there and there is a full baby space there, which will hopefully house nine to 10 babies. This will create more staff and opportunities. Often parents want to return to work but don’t have a place for their children to be minded while they’re away.
“We want the indoor space to serve the community. There are several local youth groups in the area. Over the summer it is brilliant but in winter, thermal spaces are sparse.
“We have a place on Church Road but our space will be double the size of that which allows us to offer more.”
Joey also explained how part of the building will be given to a local resident who has trained in mental health.
Joey said: “He will have a office based in the building where people can visit to try improve their mental health or even their general health.
“Next door will be the local charity Cwtch Up which will offer food parcels to families in the area who are struggling.”
However, Joey warns residents that ‘we’re still a million miles away’.
He said: “The cost of materials has made everything go more expensive. We are currently applying for grants and have to go in for planning, which will take a minimum of 12 weeks.
“We’re not close but this is ticking the boxes of needs in our community. There’s always things on social media about the trouble kids are causing in the area and how they have nothing to do and the aspect of these plans is to offer activities out to groups.
“We want to generate an income which we can put back into the facility and offer to young people so they have somewhere to go.
“It’s not anywhere big enough for the need that is actually apparent at the moment but it’s a space where we are able to help 20 or 30 kids in the evening.
“All our events will be as free as they can possibly be because even 50p can be a barrier to people in the area.”
One person in huge support of the plans is local councillor Peter Bradbury who has been serving Caerau’s community for nine years.
Councillor Bradbury said: “We want to be able to have that sort of facility in Trelai Park where people can pop in for a cup of tea, have meetings there or throw children birthday parties.
“We are using local contractors and are asking local residents to apply to work in the community cafe. We’ve created real opportunities for people to volunteer and get jobs. This can mean a lot to people who aren’t in any education or training. “
The plans have received mixed views from people.
Peter Thomas lives in Pontcanna but his son regularly plays football and trains over at Trelai Park.
Peter said: “As well intentioned as it is, it ultimately won’t make a difference.
“When they built an artificial pitch, kids then attempted to cut through the fence and climb over the top despite it being about 20 foot high.
However, not all residents think it may end bleakly.
Amanda Roach, a local from the area says it’s a good idea as the park is surrounded by local schools that it serves.
She says: “When waiting to be picked up or leave school, instead of hanging around on the road which can be dangerous, they can go to the cafe or go and talk about their mental health.”