Cardiff businessman provides Roath based arts festival a free base
CARDIFF February 2017 Owner of Draycott Group, Sajid Ghaffar has opened up what was a vacant property, on a newly acquired development site, for use by Made in Roath the community arts festival.
Following the purchase of the site on Wedal Road, Ghaffar has committed it’s listed building ‘Welcome House’ to the group for as long as it takes for the site to acquire planning permission.
Made in Roath has taken over the abandoned building and converted the space into temporary studios, hosting artists who will be taking part in Cardiff Open Studios as well as holding events/open studios during the Made in Roath festival in October.
The site required some modern touches and Ghaffar has improved the building in order that the group can use the building safely and in comfort.
Cardiff based Ghaffar, who spent years in property development in London, before returning his family to their original Cardiff home, comments ‘I’m pleased to offer my support to the Made in Roath team who are a vital part of the local community. Draycott’s developments are always intended to enhance an area – and it’s through contact with local community groups like this that we can ensure we remain supportive and sensitive to each district’s individual nature’.
Draycott’s current projects include a PBSA scheme on City Road, Cardiff and a commercial development in St Clare’s, Pembrokeshire.
On the use of space, Helen Clifford of Made in Roath said “Our focus is on accessibility – and as such the events we provide to the community are free. Draycott allowing us to work in partnership at the site on Wedal Road has given us the opportunity to have a base to operate from and store materials. We hope this is the start of a strong association with such a community focused business.”
ENDS
Made in roath: is an artist-led, free event, now in its 8th year, which aims to take art out of the gallery and into the wider community, allowing a larger and broader audience to access the wealth of creative talent in our neighborhood whilst maintaining a standard of excellence, reflecting the contemporary art scene in Cardiff and South Wales.
Sajid Ghaffar: Draycott Group Chairman, Sajid comes from a family with a deep-rooted property background. The Ghaffar family has long been involved in residential and commercial property development which stemmed from his late father Abdul Ghaffar in the early 1980’s. They have built up a substantial property portfolio over the years and have been constantly developing property throughout this period.
Sajid graduated in Law at Cardiff University and during this period also began his career in development. Whilst completing his studies, he completed his first redevelopment project, from which he was able to raise funds and progress to more substantial ventures.
Sajid also spent six years investing in and developing, high end residential property within the heart of Central London. He returned to Wales towards the end of 2010, after which he continued to consolidate and improve the family portfolio and continue with developments across Cardiff.
For information contact Kate Jones
Kate@shedmarketing.co.uk / 07850264226