A ground breaking ceremony has signalled the start of a new housing development in Pencoed which will deliver 40 much-needed affordable homes on the former site of Pencoed Primary School.
Hafod, Bridgend County Borough Council and Bridgend based contractor, Jehu Group are working in partnership to redevelop the site which will help to meet a high and rising demand for homes in the area.
Hafod has invested over £20m in building new homes in the county borough in the past five years, Jas Bains, Hafod Chief Executive, said:
“The site holds a lot of history and we hope the new development will add to this by bringing another valuable asset to the community in the form of much-needed, high quality affordable homes.”
Funded by Hafod and the Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant and Housing Finance Grant, the £6.7 million investment will deliver 12 one-bedroom apartments, 15 two-bedroom, seven three-bedroom and six four-bedroom homes which are due for completion in autumn 2020.
Cllr Huw David, the Leader of Bridgend Council, said:
“I can’t think of a more fitting use for this site. This modern redevelopment will bring very important affordable housing for local people, improving choice and availability in a popular area where it’s needed.
“Hafod and the council have a long history of working well together and I’m sure this project will prove to be another successful partnership.”
Huw Irranca-Davies AM for Ogmore, added:
“I was delighted to join others at the ground breaking ceremony on site of the former Pencoed Primary School, which will now make way for construction of a brand new development of affordable housing.
“The wider benefits of the new development will provide a boost to the local area with an upgrade of existing outdoor recreation facilities along with safer community routes via a speed restriction of 20mph on the new proposed estate road.”
Lee Woodfine, Managing Director at Jehu Group commented:
“We are so pleased to have been appointed the contractor for this development by Hafod. As a Bridgend based family company we relish these opportunities to transform and regenerate communities on our very doorstep.”
The homes will be available to rent and will be allocated via the council’s common housing register. To find out more please email [email protected] or call 01656 643643.
Photograph: Guests at the ground breaking ceremony included the Mayor – Cllr Stuart Baldwin, Mayor of Pencoed Town & Local Member – Cllr Bridie Sedgebeer, The Leader – Cllr Huw David, Huw Irranca-Davies AM for Ogmore, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing & Future Generations – Cllr Dhanisha Patel and Local Member – Cllr John McCarthy.