Autistic children and their families will soon benefit from a new Swansea facility, following the sale of a Council building by Knight Frank.
Swansea Council has now agreed the £1.2m unconditional sale of Dan-y-Coed House in West Cross to Orbis Group, a specialist education provider working in the autism spectrum disorder sector with existing facilities throughout Wales.
Proceeds from the sale of the 1.2-acre site will be reinvested back into council services for the benefit of residents across the city.
Dan-y-Coed House had been used as a centre for outdoor activities for many years, but the substantial costs needed to refurbish the building means the council is now focussing resources on its two other centres in Rhossili and Port Eynon instead. A new outdoor activities service manager is also now on board at the council to make the service more competitive, sustainable and viable.
Real estate consultancy Knight Frank advised Swansea Council on the marketing and sale of the property. Elliot Evans of Knight Frank in Cardiff, said: “We undertook an extensive marketing campaign that generated significant and widespread interest in the property. We are pleased to have secured a purchaser which will provide facilities that are vital in the area.”
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “Everyone knows the financial challenges being faced by local authorities across the country, but at Swansea Council we’re determined to lead by example by making best use of our estate and reinvesting the proceeds of sales back into council services.
“This type of innovation helps safeguard council services and boosts Swansea as a whole by providing new facilities in communities across the city.
“The sale of the Dan-y-Coed site to Orbis Group is the latest example of an on-going success story that’s seen more than £20m redirected back into council services over the last five years. All of our land and property will continue to be under review as we look to become as streamlined and sustainable as possible.”
Mike Currier, CEO of Orbis Group, said: “At Orbis we feel that every child should have access to a socially valued and fulfilling life, irrespective of the complexity of their needs. It has long been our privilege to play our role in supporting individuals and their families towards achieving this.
“Our purchase of Dan-y-Coed House marks an exciting step as part of Orbis Group’s wider expansion plans. The site will be a school and residential service for children and young people up to the age of 19, allowing us to offer the highest level of specialist education, care, and clinical support to those with complex requirements associated with autism.
“We look forward to working with the local authority and families to provide tailored education and care plans that are engaging, meaningful, fun, and most importantly, support children towards becoming independent adults.”
Other examples of Swansea Council deals include the sale of the former Civic Centre site in Penllergaer to Enzo’s Homes, with demolition having been recently completed there.
The council’s Pipehouse Wharf depot off Morfa Road is also currently being marketed by Knight Frank. This site represents and exciting opportunity to boost the river corridor regeneration plans. Other buildings now on sale include the former Swansea Jack and Mountain Dew Inn pub buildings.