Leading partnership housing developer Lovell has completed the acquisition of a brownfield site in the town of Ebbw Vale that is set to make way for 100 new, high-quality mixed-tenure homes.
The £16.8 million scheme, which is located at Bryn Serth, off Waun-Y-Pound Road on the town’s north-western outskirts, has been brought forward in partnership with housing association Melin Homes, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council and the Welsh Government.
Construction on the former quarry is due to begin in summer 2019 and to be completed in 2022. Once finished, the project will provide 70 open market homes for sale and 30 affordable properties, comprising social rent and Low Cost Home Ownership.
Known as Golwg Y Bryn, the market sale component of the development will include a range of two, three and four-bedroom homes, as well as two three-bedroom show homes, which are expected to open their doors this winter.
The affordable element will be made up of two-bedroom apartments, as well as two and three-bedroom houses.
James Duffett, Regional Managing Director for Lovell, said: “We are thrilled to have acquired this land, which will play a vital role in providing new homes for first-time buyers, second and third steppers and growing families alike.
“The development will also bring fresh benefits for the local economy and community, and will create a significant number of training and job opportunities, as well as a series of community projects.”
Paula Kennedy, Chief Executive of Melin Homes, said: “The Bryn Serth scheme is excellent news for Blaenau Gwent.
“The project is a great example of how collaborative working can benefit people and communities.
“The development will offer 30% affordable housing to the area, and we are proud to be part of it.”
Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government Hannah Blythyn said: “We are investing £2.8m to build 30 affordable homes through this scheme working in partnership with Lovell, Melin and Ebbw Vale County Borough Council and I’m looking forward to seeing this development take shape.”
Councillor Dai Davies, Executive Member for Regeneration at Blaenau Gwent Council, commented: “This development at Bryn Serth, Ebbw Vale is a great example of partnership in action between Melin Homes, Blaenau Gwent CBC, Welsh Government and Lovell.
“We want Blaenau Gwent to be a great place to live and this agreement will enable the provision of much needed, good quality, affordable homes.
“The mixed tenure range of two, three and four-bedroom housing will create a new community for this area, whilst addressing the increasing pressure to provide decent, sustainable homes for the people who need them.”
Cllr Nigel Daniels, Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, added: “The Bryn Serth development demonstrates a growing confidence of the private housing sector to invest in Blaenau Gwent and forms part of our wider regeneration aspirations for the borough, creating a more prosperous economy and stronger communities.”
Situated within a mile of Ebbw Vale’s thriving centre, the site has excellent access links to the town’s train station, which offers regular direct services to Cardiff and the A465 Heads of the Valleys road.
It is also located three miles from Festival Park Shopping Centre, which boasts a selection of 40 shops, cafes and restaurants.
