Rhondda Housing Association (RHA) unveiled the final phase of 32 new homes and four commercial units at the Bryncae development in Llanharan in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The £6 million pound development was built in partnership with Wates Residential and also includes adapted homes for disabled use.
RHA actively works to change the perception of social housing and involve local communities in the early stages of our developments. Of great concern is the future for our communities and those facing marginalisation, poverty of aspiration and increased levels of deprivation. RHA believes they have a moral imperative to alleviate some of the disadvantage and that they are interdependent with their communities.
As one of the largest employers locally we provide not only opportunities for direct employment but also access partnership opportunities. The aim of our regeneration and developments is to foster involvement in community activities, build skills and work with local schools and voluntary organisations to contribute to local life alongside the providing much-needed high quality affordable homes to the area.
The commercial units on this development created 34 new jobs and the development programme provided skills and training opportunities throughout the construction period. Work placements, training and apprenticeships were offered on site during the build for those who had become disengaged in further education or were out of work. These included much needed apprenticeships in plumbing and carpentry where skills are in short supply.
By providing skills and providing training opportunities on how to get into the construction industry and housing sector we can engage on a sustainable level and encourage mentoring and work with residents in the areas in which we are creating new homes.
As part of our over-arching social responsibility clause with all our contractors and suppliers, we ask them to donate to our RHA Community Investment Fund. One of the grants has been awarded to a newly signed-up tenant who is now living in one of the homes. He was a very vulnerable individual who was at risk, so now having his own flat and career ahead of him is a really big deal and he is on track with the completion of a college course and his first formal qualification.