News Categories: Development

Successful Letting of Llys Curig Properties

We are thrilled to announce that the last four properties at Llys Curig, Okenholt, have been successfully let!

A total of 12 families have already moved into their new homes just in time for Christmas. These intermediate rental properties are the first of their kind in the Flintshire area for North Wales Housing, providing a unique opportunity for families to secure a comfortable living space.

Are you interested in Intermediate Rent? Check out Tai Teg’s website for available properties and eligibility criteria: https://taiteg.org.uk/

First residents move into affordable eco-friendly homes in Anglesey village

North Wales Housing has handed over the keys to new residents of a development of 16 affordable, sustainable homes in the picturesque village of Gaerwen.

North Wales Housing partnered with Anglesey Council to deliver the £2.9m Stad Maes Rhydd scheme which has been designed to help meet the desperate need for affordable homes in rural areas.

The new development comprises ten two-bedroomed homes, two three-bedroomed homes and four much-needed one-bedroom apartments.

Sustainability has been prioritised throughout the development and the partners have taken a ‘fabric first’ approach to create highly-insulated homes which will retain warmth.

As Gaerwen is not connected to mains gas, low carbon electric air source heat pumps and roof mounted Photovoltaics solar panels have been installed. Residents moving into their new homes will enjoy lower energy bills and have been given training and support in how to use their pumps.

One of the aims of the development was to enable local people to put down roots in the area which is experiencing a shortage of affordable homes.

It has been built on a rural exception site. Such sites allow small developments of affordable homes to be built on land that wouldn’t usually be used for residential properties.

Being in such close proximity to Gaerwen village centre, Stad Maes Rhydd is well served by local amenities and is close to the A55 Expressway connecting to Llangefni, Holyhead and Bangor. It is also hoped that residents can benefit from close proximity to local employment opportunities.

Lauren Eaton-Jones, Assistant Director of Commercial at North Wales Housing, said; “These homes have been built with local communities in mind. Engaging with local residents was a key part of the process so we are confident that this new development will go some way to meeting the village’s needs.

“It’s a thrill to see people moving into their new homes and to know that this coming autumn and winter they will benefit from more affordable energy and homes built with energy-efficiency in mind.

“Strong partnership working has also been key to the success of this scheme and it’s been a pleasure to work with Anglesey Council on bringing these much-needed, affordable homes to Gaerwen.”

North Wales Housing colleagues were also supported by the Rural Housing Enabler to bring local people into the process and confirm need in the area.

Anglesey Council’s Housing portfolio holder, Councillor Alun Mummery, added; “We are pleased to be able to work in partnership with North Wales Housing to provide more new affordable homes on the Island. Young people and families are really struggling to put down roots in their communities and build a life here. Small, energy efficient and affordable schemes like Stad Maes Rhydd are vital to the sustainability and future of our villages.”

“It is a pleasure to see residents moving into their new homes and we hope they thrive in this new community.”

The homes are rated ‘A’ in their energy efficiency, well above the Welsh Government requirements to meet the target of net zero by the end of 2030. Additionally, preparations have been made to add an electric charging point for vehicles in future.

Lauren Eaton-Jones joins NWH as new AD Commercial

Lauren Eaton-Jones joined North Wales Housing Association in June 2021 as our Assistant Director of Commercial.

Appointed in May, Lauren has over 20 years Development experience. Her background is in Town Planning, working in several roles at Flintshire County Council, gaining invaluable experience across a broad range of developments. More recently, Lauren has worked in the private sector as a Planning Consultant for a multi-disciplinary consultancy firm.

Lauren’s appointment comes as Development plays an important part in our new Corporate Plan and is core to NWH’s vision of the future.

Lauren joins the NWH Senior Leadership Team, made up of Helena Kirk – Chief Executive, Brett Sadler – Operations Director, Jayne Owen – Finance and Resource Director, Ruth Lanham-Wright – Assistant Director Homes, Allan Eveleigh – Assistant Director Communities, Lynne Williams – Head of People and Emma Williams – Assistant Director Finance.

You can find out more about Lauren, and other members of Senior Leadership Team here https://www.nwha.org.uk/about-us/meet-the-management-team/

We would like to wish Lauren a warm welcome to the NWH family, and can’t wait to work with her.

Successful Planning Permission to tackle homelessness in Bangor

We are working with Gwynedd Council and Adra to redevelop an empty site, 137 Bangor High St, into 12 flats with support to tackle homelessness in Bangor, Gwynedd. Adra are leading on the development, while the building will then be managed in partnership by North Wales Housing and Gwynedd Council.

Planning permission has been granted and work will start early 2021.

We are proud to be working with Gwynedd Council’s Housing and Properties team to develop a building which will then provide accommodation and will be a suitable home to help and contribute towards tackling homelessness in Gwynedd by working with Gwynedd Council and Adra.

Sarah Schofield, Adra’s Customers and Communities Director said:

“We are so glad that this development has had planning permission, I can’t wait to see people moving into their new homes when the development is completed.

“There has been almost 40% increase in homelessness in Gwynedd over the last 5 years, and with Universal Credit cases increasing and people losing jobs as a result of the pandemic as well, there is a need for accommodation and service like this more than ever.

“We are really proud to be working with Gwynedd Council and North Wales Housing and proud that we’re taking steps to solve this matter and to help vulnerable people who is in housing need in Bangor, Gwynedd.”

Councillor Craig ab Iago, Cabinet Member for Housing in Gwynedd Council, said:

“Having a roof over your head is something most of us take for granted. But unfortunately, social circumstances mean that this human right is something that’s out of some local people’s reach. This is unfair and we’re determined to make sure that the people of Gwynedd has access to appropriate housing.

“This project will offer an important first step for people towards independence and a long term home by building independent lives. It’s also good to see that new life will be given to a building that’s been empty for a long period of time, here in Bangor.”

Brett Sadler, Operations Director at North Wales Housing said:

“We welcome the good news that planning permission has been given for this development. We’r proud that we, by working with Gwynedd Council and Adra, will support homelessness in Bangor, and add to the work our Outreach and Resettlement Team already do in the area.

“We also understand that providing a home alone is not enough, we will also be offering direct support by our informative and committed staff, to enable the tenants to successfully live independently.”

All partners are committed to complete this project and we will be working with specialist services and voluntary organizations that work in the Bangor area.

Housing open day Penrhyn Bay

Do you need a new affordable home?

You have the opportunity to express your interest for a new affordable home at an open day held at:

St David’s Church Hall, Penrhyn Bay

Friday 28th of February 2020 between 3.00pm and 6.30pm

Download poster

Holyhead development progresses

Work has progressed extremely well at our Canada Gardens development in Holyhead, and we hope that 15 out of the 25 houses and flats will be completed and handed over in May 2020.

We recently visited the site with one our funders, Principality. The progress on site since our last visit was amazing and we can really see the end in sight!

Interested in living in one of these properties? Contact Anglesey Council on:

  • Housing Services, Council Offices, Llangefni, Anglesey LL77 7TW
  • 01248 750057

New £1.5m Colwyn Bay housing scheme officially opened

New affordable housing development Nant Eirias in Colwyn Bay was officially opened by Hannah Blythyn AM, Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government at an event on Thursday 3rd October 2019.

A total of 12 one and two-bedroom apartments have been built by North Wales Housing as part of the £1.5 million project.

Helena Kirk, Chief Executive, North Wales Housing:

“We are extremely pleased to have created 12 new affordable rent homes in Colwyn Bay. This is the result of great partnership working with Conwy County Borough Council. By working together, we have improved the housing prospects of young local families and helped tackle the wider issue of housing shortage.

The new homes were North Wales Housing’s first intermediate rent development; this means they are aimed at people in work, or who can pay the rent without financial assistance but will be less than the rent charged for a similar home in the area from a private landlord. Lettings were managed by Tai Teg, Conwy’s Affordable Homes Register.

The new development forms part of Conwy County Borough Council’s Bay Life Regeneration Programme; developed with the support of the Vibrant and Viable Places grant from the Welsh Government.

Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government Hannah Blythyn said:

“We want to support our towns to ensure they are attractive, vibrant places for people to live, work and visit – and I was pleased to see the completed development and hope the residents will be happy in their new homes.

 Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Housing for Conwy County Borough Council said:

“This site had been an eyesore for years and, given its location, it was ideal for residential properties. So, I’m very pleased to see this development of good quality, affordable homes come to fruition. Affordable housing for local people is a key priority for the Council and this project is an excellent example of what can be achieved when we work together.  I hope the tenants are settling in and I wish them all the very best in their new homes.”

There have also been many community benefits, including local training and employment opportunities.

The new homes are efficient in terms of energy running costs – a key consideration of the scheme’s funding through Welsh Government and Conwy Council’s Vibrant and Viable Places and Social Housing Grant.

Residents move into Nant Eirias development

North Wales Housing have recently completed a brand new housing development in Colwyn Bay. Nant Eirias offers twelve brand new homes to the area as part of Conwy County Borough Council’s Bay Life Regeneration Programme.

A total of 12 one and two-bedroom apartments have been built as part of the £2.4 million project – replacing the derelict properties which had occupied the site for so long.

Brett Sadler, Interim Operations Director said:

“We are extremely pleased with how the development has turned out. The apartments are in a key location on the approach to Colwyn Bay town centre from Eirias Park, within walking distance of the town.

“Not only do they look good, they are also extremely efficient in terms of energy running costs – a key consideration of the scheme’s funding through Welsh Government and Conwy Council’s Vibrant and Viable Places and Social Housing Grant.”

The development is a result of close partner working; Conwy County Borough Council and Welsh Government have been key in terms of funding and support.

Helena Kirk, Chief Executive at North Wales Housing explained:

“We are grateful to Conwy County Borough Council for their support in terms of funding as well as officer time spent on working with us to bring the project to this point. Welsh Government funding has also been key. Without this funding the development would not have happened”

This development is a first for North Wales Housing as they are available at intermediate rent which means they are aimed at people in work, or who can pay the rent without financial assistance but will be less than the rent charged for a similar home in the area from a private landlord. Lettings were managed by Tai Teg, Conwy’s Affordable Homes Register.

Residents have received their keys and moved in; gifted with a small hamper filled with essentials hey have started to settle into their new homes.

Celebrate first brick being laid at new Holyhead housing development

North Wales Housing colleagues and partners came together on Wednesday 3rd April to celebrate the start of a new development in Holyhead, Canada Gardens.

Canada Gardens, a partnership with Anglesey Council, will create 25 new homes in the area: ten one bedroom flats and fifteen two bedroom houses. The site is close to retail shops, supermarkets, playground, schools, local transport and other amenities.

Helena Kirk, North Wales Housing at Chief Executive said:

“We are pleased to be working with Anglesey Council to satisfy local housing need for the county. Canada Gardens will provide 25 quality new homes in Holyhead, a good mix of properties that will create community spirit.”

North Wales Housing’s in-house Development team will be project managing the scheme, aiming to hand the keys over to the houses in October 2020, fully completing in December 2020.

New Sustainability Strategy launched

Sustainability has always been important to North Wales Housing; for us this means being fully aware of the way our actions affect our communities and the wider world, now and for the future. With this knowledge we can play our part in protecting and enhancing the long-term wellbeing of the people and places around us.

We have now formalised our approach and developed a new Sustainability Strategy.

This strategy has been developed as we want to improve the way we manage our approach to sustainability, to ensure we are developing our business in a sustainable way; and to be able to show the real impact that we have on our tenants, our communities and the wider world.

Richard Snaith, Sustainability Coordinator explains:

“Everyone at North Wales Housing is involved in helping us to make the change to a genuinely sustainable future. We would love to hear from our tenants and others in the community about how we can work together to improve and look after the places where we all live.”

You can read our new Sustainability Strategy and find out about some of the work we have already done by visiting our website here.

If you have any questions about our Sustainability Strategy, or have any ideas or want to get involved, contact our Sustainability Coordinator Richard Snaith on [email protected] or 01492 563211.