Wates completes first new build for Wales & West Housing Association
Leading housing contractor, Wates Living Space, has completed the development of 26 new build homes in Brecon, with the first families now taking residence.
Situated on Lion Street in the heart of Brecon town centre, Plough Court is Wates’ first new build project in South Wales and has been constructed to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3+. It was designed to meet the Welsh Government’s Development Quality Standard.
A stylish mix of 21 apartments and five houses, Plough Court has been built on the site of the former Police Station and on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Wates was involved in the project from the outset, working closely with Wales & West Housing Association and Powell Dobson Architects on the design development and to help drive forward the planning process.
Construction work commenced in October 2010 with Wates putting the finishing touches to the homes in December 2011 – completing on time and on budget.
Steve Jackson, Regional Managing Director for Wates Living Space, commented: \’We are extremely proud of our role in this important project for Wales & West Housing Association. This was a challenging development, not least because of its central location, tight site footprint and position within a popular conservation area and I’d like to thank our site manager, Steve James, for helping drive the project forward. Working closely with Wales & West Housing Association, his contribution was critical to the project’s success.
‘This was our first new build project in South Wales and I am pleased to have had the opportunity to showcase our expertise in this field. I am delighted with the results and look forward to continuing our partnership with Wales & West Housing Association in future projects.’
Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive of WWHA, said: ‘We worked in partnership with Powys County Council and Brecon Beacons National Park Authority to bring to fruition this important new development of high quality, affordable houses for the people of Brecon.
‘But it was not easy. Plough Court presented Wates, our contractor partner, with many challenges, including the fact that it is in an architecturally sensitive area and is a small site within an urban area.
‘However Wates more than met the brief, supporting us all the way as we accommodated conservation requirements and safeguarded areas of archaeological importance.
‘Plough Court was completed on time and within budget and we’re delighted to see the schemes first residents enjoying their new homes.’
Wates has been working with Wales & West Housing Association through the Syniad Framework for three years. Previous projects include the conversion of Stoneleigh Manor in Brecon into six apartments for people facing homelessness in 2011 as well as a range of property improvements as part of their Mortgage Rescue scheme across South Wales. Wates will also shortly commence work on the refurbishment and extension of 15 new homes within the grade II listed Vulcan House in Merthyr, also for WWHA.
In addition, Wates are currently constructing 20 houses and apartments in Caerphilly for Linc-Cymru Housing Association, also through the Syniad Framework.
The Syniad Framework was established in 2009, with Wates one of 22 contractors and consultants appointed to deliver £150m worth of affordable housing across Wales.
For further information about Wates please contact:
Deborah Bolton – Business Development Manager on 07810 656756