Housing association Valleys to Coast has 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.
The housing association, which is in consultation with existing tenants, has submitted a pre-planning application and will be looking to submit detailed plans as soon as possible.
Its chief executive Jo Oak said: “This isn’t just a new office for us, it’s a space where colleagues, customers and the wider community can connect, collaborate, and feel proud of the town centre once again - this has come through strongly in the insight we have gathered so far, and has played part in our decision-making.
“The acquisition of Wyndham House plays a key role in our own ambitious growth plans, but also the county’s wider plans to regenerate the town. “With community, sustainability and innovation at its heart, this project marks the next exciting step in our mission to help Bridgend and its people thrive.
“Within the next 18 months, we will have transformed the building, bringing over 300 of our colleagues right into the heart of Bridgend Town Centre and attracting additional footfall from our customers and visitors.
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“Our exciting plans to retain some commercial units and bring residential space into the town will help it thrive once again. We’re committed to supporting local businesses and will be consulting with them throughout this journey to make sure the building and its surrounding area works for everyone.
“We will also look forward to engaging with our customers and wider stakeholders.”
Valleys to Coast provides more than 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.
It currently leases a building on Tremains Road in Bridgend, but said the acquisition of Wyndham House will provide a new asset that will bolster its financial stability and borrowing capacity to support planned investment in its existing housing portfolio.
Ms Oak said: “Our investment strategy is not just about building homes, it’s about playing a key role in helping build a better Bridgend and Wales.
“Adding significant buildings like this to our stock boosts our borrowing power as a business and makes it easier for us to get extra funding that we can use to invest in maintaining, repairing and improving our customers’ homes.
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“This is Valleys to Coast thinking differently, and doing differently, for the benefit of our customers and the borough.”
MP for Bridgend and Porthcawl, Chris Elmore said: "This really is fantastic news for Valleys to Coast and our town centre as such a move will unleash the potential of Wyndham House.
“Not only will it house their 300 strong workforce, it will also provide commercial units for new businesses to thrive along with residential spaces.
“Ever since I was elected last year, I have beat the drum for town centre regeneration and I am very much looking forward to working with Valleys to Coast as the project progresses.”