This year marks a monumental milestone for CCHA, as we celebrate 50 years of providing safe and affordable homes, and building strong, sustainable communities.
Where it all began
In the early 1970’s, Adamsdown and neighbouring areas such as Splott and Butetown faced a number of housing problems including overcrowding, poor-quality private rentals, and ageing terraced housing. These vibrant communities were threatened with “slum clearance”—a plan that would have seen Victorian terraces demolished and families displaced. The people of Adamsdown and Splott acted by forming two community-based housing associations with a view to improving housing conditions and providing affordable homes.
One of those was Adamsdown Housing Association, which focused on regenerating homes in Adamsdown. Another was Moors Community Housing Association, which provided social and affordable housing in the Splott area.
Moors Community Housing Association was incorporated in June 1976, before becoming registered as a Housing Association in December 1976. It later went on to merge with Adamsdown Housing Association in 1996, changing names to become the association you all recognise today; Cardiff Community Housing Association, better known as CCHA.
Half a century in our heartlands
What started with humble beginnings has now grown over the last 50 years. While we have branched out across the city to provide over 3,000 safe, and affordable homes, we are still very much rooted in our heartlands of Adamsdown and Splott.
Chief Executive, Brian Pickett said:
“I always talk of the immense gratitude I have to lead CCHA, especially during our 50th anniversary. My first home in Cardiff was in Moira Street, Adamsdown and that will always hold a place in my heart. Over our 50 years we have spread our wings from our heartland areas, but we are still very much committed to them. Relatively recently we completed a new apartment block, Longcross House, just next to the Royal Infirmary. Just across the street from that we are just finishing off two major investments in the area with the conversion of our old office, Callaghan House and Albert Quarter on Moira Terrace. Together these amount to an investment of £10 million showing our continued commitment to the area. I am excited about the range of events we have planned for our 50th year, looking forward to meeting as many of our tenants as I can.”
Marking the occasion
To celebrate this milestone, over the next 12 months we will be hosting a series of events, community projects and activities to commemorate our history and look forward to our future.
To kick off the celebrations, we have launched a special Anniversary Community Fund to help our tenants host a “Big Lunch” in their neighbourhood.
We have a total fund of £500, and tenants can apply for a grant of up to £50 to get the party started. While the official Big Lunch weekend is 5th–8th June, tenants can host their event anytime during the month. To apply for a grant, click here to complete the application form, telling us about your plans. Applications should be made by 18th May 2026. Check out The Big Lunch 2026 | Eden Project Communities for ideas.
There will be more celebrations planned throughout the year, so keep an eye on our website and social media pages for more information.
We look forward to celebrating with you.