News Categories: Development

Sensitive restoration awarded for enriching town of Ruthin

North Wales Housing were recently presented with the 2014 Quayle Award for the redevelopment of the near derelict row of cottages on Mwrog Street, Ruthin by the Ruthin and District Civic Association.

The award, named after a distinguished local Ruthin resident, the late Professor William Quayle, is regularly presented to the owners of private, public and commercial buildings, which have enriched the town and local villages by good new design and texture or by sensitive restoration.

The Mwrog Street redevelopment was branded a worthy winner by the judges.

Miles Anderson, Secretary to Ruthin and District Civic Association, explains:

“The multi-purpose accommodation that replaces the previously derelict building has been constructed with sensitivity and to a very high standard. And the old post box has also been brought back into use. Though a modest terrace of buildings, the restoration has been accomplished to the highest quality and certainly draws the eye – with pleasure! Many congratulations to North Wales Housing Association.”

Peter Gibson, Chair of NWH’s Group Board accepted the award at an event held by the Ruthin and District Civic Association on Friday, 26th June at Llanfwrog Community Centre, Ruthin.

Paul Diggory, Chief Executive for North Wales Housing said:

“North Wales Housing are extremely happy to win this award. We are passionate about bringing empty homes back to life, helping improve communities as well as enabling new tenants to enjoy life in their new homes. We’re glad that the community of Ruthin are as pleased with the project as we are.”

Partnership creates new homes in Anglesey

Five tenants are benefitting from brand new homes to rent thanks to a partnership with North Wales Housing Association, Welsh Government and Anglesey County Council.

The Rhes Capel social housing project on a brownfield site in Holyhead has been jointly funded by North Wales Housing Association and Welsh Government funds awarded through the Vibrant and Viable Places Programme.

Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty said:

I am pleased the Welsh Government has been able to support this development with funding of almost £310,000. The project has not only created high-quality housing for local people, but also used local companies and supply chains – supporting the local economy.

This development is an excellent example of partnership working between the Welsh Government, Anglesey County Council, North Wales Housing Association, and the local private housebuilding sector, which is helping to deliver our vision for housing in Wales. I wish all of the tenants every happiness in their new homes.”

The terrace of five new two-bedroom three person dwellings has been built on the site of the former English Methodist Church in Longford Road, and is sited close to local schools and other amenities. The new homes have been built to meet Welsh Government housing design quality standards.

Paul Diggory, Chief Executive for North Wales Housing said:

Rhes Capel is a great project and we’ve pleased to have worked closely with Anglesey County Council and Welsh Government. The regeneration of Holyhead is coming along and this project is another great development for North Wales Housing to manage here.”

Anglesey County Council’s Social Services and Housing Portfolio holder Cllr Aled Morris Jones added:

We are pleased to have played an important role in realising this development, which contributes to our housing and regeneration objectives.”

Innovative extra care schemes win big at top industry awards

North Wales Housing’s extra care schemes had a successful night at the recent regional Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards.

Cae Garnedd, Bangor, North Wales Housing newest extra care scheme won the county and regional Gwynedd award for ‘Best Inclusive Design Project’ whilst Hafod y Parc, Abergele won ‘Best Social/ Affordable Housing’ for the Conwy region.

K&C Construction, the team behind an innovative extra care schemes in North Wales were presented with the awards hosted at the Urban Resort Village, Chester on Friday 24th April 2015.

The LABC awards aim to celebrate excellence achieved through building standards, technical innovation and sustainable designs.

Paul Diggory, North Wales Housing Chief Executive says:

We’re thrilled with how the evening went. We’re extremely proud of our extra care schemes but receiving this industry award reinforces that.

I’d like to congratulate our construction partners, K&C who have worked collaboratively with our team through the entire design and build process, producing fantastic developments. This is definitely a well deserved win for the entire K&C team.”

Bleddyn Jones, K and C Construction Manager is equally as happy:

I am absolutely delighted that K and C Construction have received these awards and believe it is a very fitting tribute to the commitment and hard work of all the team. The success of the projects is a reflection of our strong collaborative working relationship with both Gwynedd County Council and North Wales Housing and all the consultants involved in the projects.”

The success didn’t stop there though. North Wales Housing and Pure Residential also scooped the ‘Best Social/ Affordable Housing’ for Denbighshire for the recent refurbishment of Plas Penyddeuglawdd, Pendyffryn Road, Rhyl, reputed to be one of the oldest houses in Rhyl.

Cae Garnedd will now go forward to the LABC Grand Finals on Tuesday 10 November 2015 at the Lancaster Hotel, London.

Rhyl’s most historic building given new lease of life

One of the oldest surviving buildings in Rhyl has been given a new lease of life and provided quality, affordable homes for people of Rhyl.

Originally part of Plas Penyddeuglawdd, part of the redeveloped properties on Pendyffryn Road, Rhyl dates from the 17th century, and is likely to be the oldest surviving building in Rhyl.

When acquired by North Wales Housing the Grade II listed building was in a semi derelict condition, and listed as ‘at risk’ by Denbighshire County Council.

Paul Diggory, Chief Executive of North Wales Housing said:

“Plas Penyddeuglawdd sat in a prominent position within the town and slowly become an eyesore as it fell further and further into a state of disrepair, attracting vandals and anti-social behaviour. Empty properties can have a negative effect on people’s perception of an area and the refurbishment and reoccupation of the property should have a positive impact on this part of Rhyl.”

The ambitious and sympathetic redevelopment and repair programme started in 2014 as part of Denbighshire County Council’s Empty Homes Project. Appointed contractors Pure Residential and Commercial Ltd worked closely with Council Conservation Officers to sympathetically re-develop and repair the Grade II listed building using traditional construction methods and materials.

The end result is three two-bedroom houses and three two- bedroom bungalows. Original character features remain where possible but incorporated energy efficient fittings, which will benefit new tenants.

Paul adds:

“This scheme is an important part of part of Denbighshire County Council’s and North Wales Housing’s Empty Homes Strategy, bringing empty homes back into life. It is a significant listed building in Rhyl, once at risk, and now successfully conserved, creating quality homes for local people.”

Councillor Hugh Irving, Cabinet Lead Member with responsibility for Customers and Communities, said:

“This is a prime example of how the Council works with its partners to improve the quality of life for residents, as well as efforts made to bring back historic and listed buildings back into use. Derelict properties are a blight on the landscape and affects the visual image of an area. We are delighted with the end result of this development.”

North Wales Housing handed over the keys to the happy tenant’s new homes in December and have since happily settled into their new home.

Cae Garnedd residents move in

Construction work at North Wales Housing’s £8.35 million older person’s extra care housing scheme ‘Cae Garnedd’ in Bangor is now complete and residents started to move into their new home in December 2014.

‘Cae Garnedd’ is an older person’s extra care scheme developed in partnership between North Wales Housing and Gwynedd Council. The extra care scheme is the first of its kind for Bangor and offers an alternative way of living for older people, providing independent living supported by care and support.

The scheme includes 15 high specified one and 27 two-bedroom apartments, each containing its own kitchen, living area and bathroom. Residents are able to utilise as much or as little of the communal facilities available which include rest, leisure and activity areas, as well as a central catered dining area. Twenty four hour care is available and is determined by the needs of every individual for whom a care plan can be adapted as their needs change.

Paul Diggory, Chief Executive of North Wales Housing said:

“This is the first extra care scheme in Bangor and provides an important alternative for older members of our community when considering their housing options. We’re incredibly proud to be able to bring this scheme to the city.

For many older people, living opportunities can be considered at very opposing ends of the spectrum from full independent living to residential or nursing care. Extra Care bridges this gap and offers people a choice to retain their independent living with support and care when needed.”

Paul adds:

“The building itself is set in an excellent position within the city, offering easy access to key destinations and attractions within the city.”

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd Council’s Cabinet Member for Care, said:

“As a Council, we are delighted to see residents moving into the extra care housing facility at Cae Garnedd. This partnership between Gwynedd Council and North Wales Housing will allow people to continue to live independently in a safe and homely community with flexible care services.”

“The older population in Gwynedd is set to increase over the coming years and we must prepare now for the demands which will inevitably be placed on our services, and be able to give people a choice of how and where they want to live.”

“Developments like Cae Garnedd allow older people the freedom to live independently in their own home with the peace of mind that support is available when needed.”

You can find out more about Cae Garnedd here . If you would like to find out more or arrange a visit you can contact Scheme Manager Carwyn George on [email protected] or call 01492 563287.

Lesley Griffiths AM officially opens Hafod y Parc, Abergele Extra Care Scheme

Lesley Griffiths AM, Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, officially opened Hafod y Parc, a pioneering Extra Care scheme by North Wales Housing on Thursday 20th November 2014.

Hafod y Parc is a £11million new build Extra Care scheme, on Kinmel Avenue, that offers those over the age of 60 an enhanced choice, providing independent living with a care and support programme that can be adapted and assessed as their individual needs change. The scheme has benefited from over £6m from the Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant Programme.

Residents, staff and guests came together to celebrate the official opening of the scheme and Lesley Griffiths AM unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion. Afternoon tea was served accompanied by performances by local school Ysgol Glan Morfa Choir.

Guests also took the opportunity to have a tour of the wonderful, high spec facilities at Hafod y Parc. Set within beautiful picturesque leafy wooded parkland, the scheme includes a host of modern yet homely communal areas including lounges; restaurant; hairdressers and pamper treatment room; snooker and games room; IT room and much more.

Construction was completed in April 2014 and all of 49 one and two bedroom apartments are occupied. Residents have quickly settled into their new home, setting up numerous social activities and even forming a resident band.

Hafod y Parc resident Betty Fraser said:

“Hafod Y Parc is the finest place I have ever had, I have never felt so happy and contented in all my life. There is wonderful food and unconditional support from the staff, it is out of this world!”

Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty said:

“I am very pleased that the Welsh Government was able to support the facility here at Hafod y Parc which will make a real difference to people’s lives, and will help protect people from becoming isolated or lonely.”

“Schemes like this support a range of housing needs and I have met a number of residents today who are all extremely happy with their new homes.”

“This investment has not only provided much needed homes, it has supported the economy by boosting jobs and growth and provided training opportunities for local people.”

Paul Diggory, Chief Executive of North Wales Housing added:

“We’re so proud of Hafod y Parc, it’s an exceptional scheme and it is easy to recognise the appeal of the development.”

“Older persons deserve more choice in later years and Hafod y Parc offers a very enhancing alternative to home living and residential care. For us, Extra Care is all about enabling people to make considered housing and care choices with the freedom of flexibility as their own needs change.”

Minister sees impact of Welsh Government support for housing

A newly opened extra care scheme in Abergele, which has been backed by the Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant, is providing excellent facilities for the residents Finance Minister Jane Hutt said today.

The Hafod y Parc Extra Care Scheme provides modern independent living for people over the age of 60 and welcomed its first residents in April this year. It includes 49 self-contained flats and is now fully occupied.

The £10.7m scheme benefited from £6.2m from the Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant Programme with the remainder funded by North Wales Housing Association.

Facilities at Hafod y Parc include 24-hour on site care and support, restaurant, hair salon, hobbies room and a patio garden area.

The Minister said:

“Extra care schemes allow people over 60 to live independently while receiving the services of an experienced care team who are on site 24 hours a day, providing high quality care.”

“The facilities here at Hafod y Parc are excellent and provide every opportunity for residents to live as independently as possible in a community environment.”

“The project has also benefited the community during the construction process, with opportunities for an apprentice joiner and work placement schemes.”

Paul Diggory, Chief Executive at North Wales Housing Association said:

“Hafod y Parc is an exceptional development that we’re all incredibly proud of. When the scheme opened its doors only a few weeks ago, Hafod Y Parc was immediately fully occupied, highlighting both the standard of housing available there and the clear need and demand for the extracare concept of living.”

The Hafod y Parc scheme is the fourth extra care scheme operating in Conwy County.

New life for Ruthin homes

A large scale refurbishment programmes of a row of abandoned terraced houses in the heart of Ruthin is complete and handed over, creating new, quality homes for local people.

Set on Mwrog Street in a prominent position within Ruthin Town Centre, the houses have now been transformed following acquisition by North Wales Housing as part of the Denbighshire Empty Homes scheme.

New tenants have now been allocated to all of the homes and keys handed over to the two houses, two flats, and two new bungalows that have been built to the rear. Following initial demolition works of ancillary buildings, refurbishment works began by local contractor K&C who then stripped the building back to its bare fabric and began the long term project of restoration.

With a demand in Ruthin to develop homes for local people, the scheme also enhances the town centre, serving to boost further regeneration and encourage people back to the town.

Phil Danson of North Wales Housing said:

“This scheme embodies the empty homes ethos and meets all of our objectives in terms of creating homes, transforming areas and utilising good existing buildings and bringing them in line with modern needs and standards.”

“It’s great to now see our new tenants make the move and began to enjoy life in their new homes.”

 

A tasty transformation

The former y Bistro on Llanberis High Street has enjoyed a major overhaul and transformation, from its former use as a local eatery, to a number of homes for local people.

North Wales Housing purchased the building in 2012 and developed plans to transform and regenerate, creating nine two bedroom apartments.

The new flats are being welcomed in Llanberis by residents affected by the continued increase in house prices, driven by the tourist industry as well as those looking to secure a second home in and around the picturesque town.

Since closing its doors in 2008/9, the substantial corner property ‘Y Bistro’ had lain unoccupied, slowly falling into a state of neglect. Sitting on the main thoroughfare?, the building had become an eyesore, attracting vandals and detracting from nearby surroundings.

Local contactor Celtic Souza have managed the works on behalf of North Wales Housing. The scheme has been developed as part of a wider collaboration with Gwynedd Council and North Wales Housing, with further funding from the Welsh Government Social Housing Grant.

Paul Diggory, Chief Executive at North Wales Housing said:

“The completion of this project will offer so many advantages to the local community. Not only are we restoring and improving a large building that was impacting negatively upon the local area, but we are also creating a number of fantastic homes for local people.”

“Empty homes projects such as this are about looking at existing buildings that have been neglected or overlooked and giving them a new lease of life. The redevelopment of the Bistro is a brilliant example of how and why this initiative works so well.”

New tenants have been allocated for each of the two bedroom flats and will soon be making the move into their new homes.

New concept in older persons housing with care for Bangor

Construction work at a new £8.35 million extra care housing scheme in Bangor is gathering momentum, marking a new concept in older persons living for the town.

North Wales Housing is managing the pioneering development named ‘Cae Garnedd’ in partnership with Gwynedd Council, which is taking shape on the site of a former derelict home on Penhros Road, with the show flat now open for public viewing.

The extra care scheme will be the first of its kind for Bangor and offers an alternative way of living for older people, providing independent living supported by care and support. Extra Care essentially bridges the gap between independent living and nursing home care. It offers older people choice in terms of the level of care and support that they need whilst enjoying their independence.

The scheme includes 15 one and 27 two-bedroom apartments, each containing its own kitchen, living area and bathroom. Residents are able to utilise as much or as little of the communal facilities available which include rest, leisure and activity areas, as well as a central catered dining area. Twenty four hour care is available and is determined by the needs of every individual for whom a care plan can be adapted as their needs change.

Paul Diggory, Chief Executive of North Wales Housing said:

“This is the first extra care scheme in Bangor and provides an important alternative for older members of our community when considering their housing options. We’re incredibly proud to be able to bring this scheme to the town.”

“For many older people, living opportunities can be considered at very opposing ends of the spectrum from full independent living to residential or nursing care. Extra Care bridges this gap and offers people a choice to retain their independent living with support and care when needed.”

Paul added:

“The building itself is set in an excellent position within the town, offering easy access to key destinations and attractions within the town. There is a strong interest from local residents, many of whom have already registered their interest. The show flat is now open and we have a scheme manager appointed who will be glad to show people around.”

Councillor Wyn Williams, the Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for Care, added:

“I’m delighted that work on the extra care housing complex at Penrhosgarnedd is coming along so well.”

“Once completed, Cae Garnedd will offer older people a comfortable home plus the peace of mind of flexible care services.”

The project is expected to be completed later this year, with Kinmel-based K&C Construction carrying out construction works employing local tradesmen, suppliers and merchants. The structure is being built using environmentally sound materials and once complete is expected to achieve a BREEAM rating of Excellent.