A scheme for 35 affordable homes has been revealed at a derelict brownfield site in Tondu.
Bridgend-based Housing Association Valleys to Coast has secured funding through Bridgend County Borough Council and the Welsh Government’s social housing grant. The grant provides funding to local authorities and registered social landlords to provide energy-efficient homes for social rent.
The £8.2m scheme, which is being delivered for the social landlord by property development firm Pendragon, will comprise a mix of 24 one-bedroom flats and 11 homes, ranging from two to four-bedrooms, for social rent.
Valleys to Coast has committed to an ambitious growth strategy focused on providing more affordable homes in and around Bridgend. Alongside building and acquiring new properties, it is investing £172m in its existing homes over the next decade, and will be making strategic investments to strengthen their financial position.
James Griffiths, managing director of development and regeneration at Valleys to Coast, said: “We’re proud to be delivering 35 high-quality and affordable homes, helping future residents build stable and comfortable lives for themselves in Bridgend.”
Max Lewis, senior developer officer said: “The brownfield site has been left empty for years, so we’re excited to be breathing new life into the area and supporting the regeneration of Bridgend. Developers Pendragon, are also contributing £16,000 in community benefits, so the impact of the project will be felt not just by residents but by local people too.”
The development is expected to be completed by August 2026.
Valleys to Coast provides over 6,000 affordable homes across Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf, alongside a portfolio of commercial properties and leasehold flats. It was established in 2003 as the first large-scale voluntary transfer of council-owned homes to a social housing association in Wales.
In August the housing association revealed plans to transform a prime office building in the centre of Bridgend to serve as its new headquarters alongside new apartments and commercial units. As part of wider efforts to regenerate the town centre the social landlord has acquired Wyndham House, which fronts onto the historic war memorial.
The four-storey building will be redeveloped to provide a mix of office space for the company’s 300-plus workforce, a cafe style reception space, eight one-bedroom apartments and a small number of commercial units.
The cost of developing the building has yet to be determined, but Valleys to Coast will be seeking to secure regeneration and social housing grants. It has committed £6m of its own funding towards the project. It wouldn’t disclose the cost of acquiring the building, the majority of which is unoccupied, apart from a few small commercial units on the ground floor.
- Group photo caption: James Finch (technical officer at Valleys to Coast), Leigh Johnathan (site manager at Pendragon) Max Lewis (senior development officer at Valleys to Coast) Amanda Davies (chair of the board at Valleys to Coast), James Griffiths (managing director of development and regeneration at Valleys to Coast,) Councillor Tim Thomas (chairperson democratic services committee Bridgend Council) and Christopher Gregory (project manager at Pendragon).
