Here is our latest update, covering: a 'Greener Whitchurch' planned to reduce flooding; helping young people to avoid being victims of crime; Cardiff Old Library restoration gets a £2m donation boost; and celebrating Youth Work Week 2023.

Council plans to create a ‘Greener Whitchurch'

Cardiff Council is developing plans to reduce flood risk from Whitchurch Brook. The Greener Whitchurch project will explore a range of solutions including green infrastructure, a network of multi-functional green spaces, to reduce surface water run-off and manage local drainage network capacity issues, while enhancing parts of Whitchurch's public space. The project is part of Cardiff Council's overarching strategy to ensure the city is ‘stronger, fairer and greener'.

The study area includes the part of Whitchurch Brook that flows from Caedelyn Park in Rhiwbina through Whitchurch to its outfall at the River Taff at Lydstep Park, Gabalfa. Flooding has affected residents and businesses in this area, with more than ten flood events recorded since 1990.

With funding secured from Welsh Government, Cardiff Council has appointed Arup, a leading sustainable development consultancy, to finalise the options, develop the detailed design and secure planning permission.

Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Cllr Caro Wild, said: "Residents in Whitchurch have been affected by flooding and it is likely to get worse as a result of climate change. We need well-designed sustainable urban drainage to improve this community's resilience to these extreme weather events.

"Building on the success of Greener Grangetown, Greener Whitchurch aims to deliver a range of water sensitive urban design solutions to reduce surface water run-off and manage the amount of water in the local drainage network.

"We are also exploring wider community benefits including sustainable transport, public realm improvements and biodiversity enhancements.

"We are keen to collaborate with key stakeholders and the local community to help shape the detailed design."

Residents and local businesses are being asked to contact the project team on:
greenerwhitchurch@grasshopper-comms.co.uk  or 029 2002 4924 to share their experiences and photos of flooding from Whitchurch Brook by Tuesday 25 July.

This information will be used to ensure the project team understand the local flooding issues to inform the development of solution options.

More information on the project can be found  here

The project team are planning several opportunities for the local community to comment as the proposals are developed throughout the year.  Once the proposals are finalised, the project will seek planning permission.

Read more here

Programmes to reduce the risk of young people being victims of crime and violence

Cardiff Council is delivering two ground-breaking initiatives aimed at investing in the city's young people and helping them to avoid gang culture, crime, and violence.

Designed to engage and educate young individuals, the projects have been established though multi-agency partnership working and are being delivered using cutting-edge technology and interactive theatrical experiences to promote informed decision-making and empower young people.

Cabinet Member for Tackling Poverty, Equality and Supporting Young People, Cllr Peter Bradbury, said: "These new initiatives aim to foster a safer community by empowering young individuals to make positive life choices and challenge the destructive influences of crime and violence.

"Cardiff Council remains committed to providing comprehensive support and resources to young people in our communities and these innovative initiatives further strengthen our resolve to tackle the challenges faced by our youth and create a brighter, safer future for all."

Positive feedback from secondary schools across the city, has highlighted the effectiveness of the projects, which have been shaped using the views of young people. Those who have taken part have enjoyed the programmes, saying that they met their needs of giving them more awareness of the signs of grooming.

Read more here

Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama launches Cardiff Old Library restoration campaign with £2m donation

RWCMD has announced that the Welsh-American business giant Sir Howard Stringer has made a gift of £2m to the College, to help it restore and transform Cardiff city centre's landmark Old Library.

This donation from Sir Howard and his wife Lady Stringer launches the College's ambitious fund-raising campaign for the Library which needs to raise £12m in total, with £3m now in place, including a previous gift from the Mosawi Foundation.

It follows the recent transfer of the Library from Cardiff Council to the College for the next 99 years on long lease, reflecting the Council's commitment to delivering the Cardiff Music Strategy. As a mark of gratitude, the main first floor studio has been named the Sir Howard Stringer Studio for the remainder of the lease term.

The Leader of Cardiff Council Leader, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: "Cardiff is a creative and cultural capital and this incredibly generous donation takes us a step closer to bringing one of its most significant cultural institutions right into the heart of the city. It's a huge boost for music education and the performing arts and for our music strategy work to protect, enhance and develop the city's music offer.

"The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama conservatoire provides a constant flow of top-level talent and many students go on to enjoy international success. Their exciting plans will build on what they can offer their students, but also open up their work to the wider public, making the building more accessible and the music and performances that emanate from it an integral part of the city centre.

"They will also breathe new life into one of Cardiff's most historic buildings, protecting and preserving it for years to come, and I'm pleased that, for the time being, the Museum of Cardiff, will also remain inside the building, until our positive partnership work with the Museum Trustees to find it a more suitable sustainable long-term home is concluded.

"These ambitious plans will help ensure music and culture in Cardiff remains, quite literally, in the heart of the city."

Read more here

Cardiff's Youth Workers share their stories. Youth Work Week 23rd - 30th June 2023

Youth workers from across the city have shared their stories to coincide with this year's Youth Work Week in Wales (23rd- 30thJune 2023), an opportunity to showcase and celebrate the impact and diversity of youth work, with the aim to promote a wider understanding of and support for youth work.

The open, honest and often heart-warming accounts give an insight into what the day of a youth worker in Cardiff looks like, how they first got into the role, career highlights and what keeps them in e job.  

You will see stories from Cardiff Youth Workers on Cardiff Council's social media channels throughout the course of the week or read them  here

Cardiff Youth Services have made a film featuring young people, speaking in their own words about the impact the provision has made on them, you can view it  here

To find out more about Cardiff Youth Service follow them on social media:

Facebook & Instagram - @CardiffYouthService

Twitter - @YouthCardiff

or visit their website:

www.cardiffyouthservices.wales