The high street is changing and the development team at Newydd Housing Association is looking to address this at the former Goods Shed development in Barry by providing a model for other town centres in Wales to consider.
The aim of this housing-led urban regeneration project, delivered in partnership with the private sector, is to integrate a flexible ‘live work’ model, moving away from traditional zoned projects that separate different uses and lose the benefits of co-location.
Planning permission for the development in Barry was received in February 2019 to include the refurbishment of historically significant buildings, delivery of new build homes and innovative construction. The mixed-use scheme will be delivered in partnership with DS Properties (Goods Shed) Ltd and the Vale of Glamorgan Council with Newydd delivering the social and private rented home development as part of this wider scheme.
Newydd will start on site imminently, delivering the 23 social rented and 19 private rented one and two bedroom apartments to tenants by the end of 2020. It is hoped it will offer a perfect place for residents to live and work or try a new venture.
During the construction process community engagement events will be carried out on-site, to include and inform the local community and encourage interest in working within the construction sector. Innovative construction methods will also be utilised by the design team using a low carbon strategy throughout.
Newydd’s developer partner will be providing the commercial elements of the scheme which include a shipping container village offering new start-ups a chance to start their business within a community where people can socialise, work and live. Unlike a traditional office, co-working spaces will consist of members who work for a range of different companies, ventures and projects. This will encourage networking between a wide range of disciplines and provide a platform for collaboration. The co-operative working space available will allow businesses the flexibility of 24 hour working for a small fixed monthly cost, challenging conventional business models by offering flexible hours.
In addition, the commercial space will support both start up as well as established businesses who are looking to expand and grow. Short-term leases will be offered alongside long-term to support SME and independent start-ups. The aim is to pioneer a philosophy that will pave the way for future developments to facilitate flexible and modern working practices alongside housing, following the principles of live, work and play.
Paul Roberts, chief executive of Newydd, said: ‘Good quality and affordable housing is an essential ingredient of any successful regeneration project and the former Goods Shed will provide a mixed tenure development where private rented homes sit side by side with affordable homes and commercial space. This scheme offers residents access to high quality new homes and work space within a sustainable community in the heart of Barry.’
The development is one of three Newydd schemes that has received Welsh Government Innovative Housing Programme funding. The other schemes, also in the Vale of Glamorgan, include an energy positive adapted bungalow in Dyffryn with low carbon design and renewable energy technology, and the other in Llangan, offers a rural business hub and residential units using the Beattie Passiv method.