United Welsh offsite development gets underway in Ebbw Vale

Work is underway to build a series of new homes on the site of the former Brynmawr Clinic in Ebbw Vale, Wales.The small supported housing scheme will be built by Celtic Offsite, a new social enterprise operating under the United Welsh Group umbrella.The development is said to be highly insulated and energy efficient, comprising three apartments with communal areas and a staff office on the ground floor; with a further two apartments, staff space, and storage on the first floor.Celtic Offsite will manufacture the timber frame structures for the building, with fitted insulation and windows, from its new factory in Caerphilly.The homes will then be completed on site with contractor Kingfisher.Neil Robins, managing director of Celtic Offsite, said: “Manufacturing the homes offsite in our factory means they can be developed in a shorter time, providing better value for money and avoiding the delays experienced with traditional building methods.“Our team is thrilled that this supported housing accommodation in Brynmawr will be our first development.“Four of the factory operatives working with us are residents with United Welsh, so it is a pleasure for them to build these energy-efficient homes for other new residents to enjoy.”The apartments will provide new homes for people with learning support needs, helping residents to live independently within the community.There will be access to learning, wellbeing facilities, and additional support if needed.Lynn Morgan, director of Development and Regeneration for United Welsh, said: “This is very much a partnership project, with United Welsh, Aneurin Bevan Health Board, Blaenau Gwent Council, and Welsh government’s Integrated Care Fund working together to help meet the demand for single-person accommodation for people with support needs in Gwent.“These new homes will be life-changing for residents, and I am delighted to see the build underway.”The former Brynmawr Clinic was demolished in June 2020 with funding from Welsh government’s Land and Buildings Development Fund.The United Welsh Group is a not-for-pro?t organisation providing housing and services to people in South Wales that currently manages over 6,300 properties across 11 local authorities.