Upcoming United Welsh development benefits from Welsh Government Land Release Fund

A specialist development by United Welsh and partners has received support from the Welsh Government Land Release Fund to bring new homes to Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent.

The £5m fund, which has been designed to accelerate the availability of unused public sector land for the development of much-needed social and affordable housing, has supported seventeen projects this year.

One of those is the development of the former Brynmawr health clinic in Blaenau Gwent, which has stood empty for a number of years.

Thanks to funding from the Land Release Fund, this building has now been demolished to make way for a small development of supported housing accommodation which is being delivered in partnership with United Welsh, Aneurin Bevan Health Board, Blaenau Gwent Local Authority and the Welsh Government’s Integrated Care Fund.

The development will deliver five assisted living units with communal living spaces for people with learning support needs, helping residents to live independently within the community and providing access to learning, wellbeing facilities and additional support if needed.

Richard Mann, Deputy Chief Executive of United Welsh said:

“The Covid-19 pandemic has really emphasised the importance of our homes as a foundation for a safe, happy life.

“Developing more high quality, affordable homes for people who most need them remains a top priority for United Welsh, and we are delighted that the support from the Welsh Government Land Release Fund and Integrated Care Fund has made it possible for us to bring more homes to Brynmawr with our partners.

“The new homes will be life-changing for residents and we look forward to continuing our work with Welsh Government, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Blaenau Gwent Council as the development progresses.”

Finance Minister Rebecca Evans said:

“Providing more social housing continues to be a top priority for the Welsh Government.

“The Land Release Fund has enabled us to accelerate our response to Wales’ housing needs, by providing the necessary funding to release undeveloped public land and build more affordable and social housing.

“The fund is also helping to provide a much-needed boost to the economy, in particular the construction industry and its associated supply chains.”

The Land Release Fund will continue to support additional projects next year with the Finance Minister committing a £10m funding pot as part of the 2021-22 Final Budget.

The successful projects are all delivering small scale, low carbon developments through the use of modern and innovative technologies.