Reserve Forces & Cadets Association site to be developed

New homes for Gorseinon

23 March 2017

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Cooke & Arkwright has successfully sold sites of 1.35 and 0.5 acres on behalf of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Wales (RFCA) in Gorseinon. The larger site is to be developed by Coastal Housing Association for construction of 50 dwellings for social housing, which will replace the former workshop and marshalling yard, which has been in existence for over 50 years. The second portion was sold to a local developer for the purpose of developing private housing.

The sites became surplus following the Army’s decision to close the Royal Engineer sub unit some years ago. The funds realised from the two sales have been re-invested by RFCA to refurbish the existing two-storey building on Park Road for the benefit of the Army and Air Cadets. The renovated facility was opened by H M Lord Lieutenant for West Glamorgan last autumn.

Jeremy Symons, Director at Cooke & Arkwright acting for RFCA commented, “This was an exceptionally good result for the RFCA who manage the reserve and cadet estate for the Army. Disposal of the property brings a dormant site into beneficial use as additional housing, in an area where there is substantial need.  We expect the improvement in the general environment to enhance the character of the local community and Gorseinon as a whole."

Paul Bowyer, Head of Estates at the RFCA, commented, “I instructed Cooke & Arkwright to identify purchasers and we are very pleased with the outcome, which took some time to reach fruition and in no small part, due to the tenacity of our agent to maintain the pressure to complete the sale.” 

The Leekes Retail and Leisure Group have substantial property assets within the group and have engaged Andrew West to appeal against rating assessments on these properties since 2010. We have consistently been impressed by Andrew's knowledge of the property market and his negotiating skills have been exceptional. Given Andrew's outstanding performance, we would not hesitate to recommend Andrew to any business large or small seeking to appeal their rates liabilities.

Mike Fowler, Group Finance Director, Leekes Group