Sustainable redevelopment of Sandfields County Flats start of 300 home building boom say housing association

The Neath Port Talbot housing association says the heart of its building programme is the ambitious re-development of the County Flats estate in Sandfields, Port Talbot.

Originally built in the 1950s, the flats have a prominent position on Aberavon seafront but have been in desperate need of updating in recent years.

Phase 1 of the development to refurbish the six blocks on Bevin Avenue is well underway. The first two blocks, Pembroke House and Radnor House, have already been renovated, with work beginning shortly on Brecon House and Gwent House. The refurbishment of the final two blocks, Flint House and Morgannwg House will commence in summer 2024.

In keeping with their commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030, Tai Tarian say they will use the re-development to modernise the existing flats and introduce a series of energy efficient measures to really enhance residents’ living experience.

The housing association say that the development will maximise the use of natural insulations to help keep the homes warm and reduce the amount of energy needed to heat them. This, combined with the latest technology, including solar panels, battery storage and intelligent energy systems will see them become some of the most environmentally friendly homes in Wales.

In total, phase 1 of the development will create 55 new homes and refurbish the 72 existing properties.

Phase 2 of the project is currently at the design stage and will see the redevelopment of the remaining blocks on the site. Work is estimated to start in summer 2025.

Another major re-development is also due to begin soon at Heol Crwys in Cwmafan. Subject to final planning permission, 30 bungalows which have reached the end of their natural lives will make way for 43 modern, energy-efficient homes and improved public spaces.

Elsewhere, work is due to start on the re-development of the Eagle House site in Port Talbot town centre. The work will involve the demolition of the existing building and the construction of 18 energy-efficient apartments with a commercial space on the ground floor.

Work is continuing to build 25 new homes at Pant Celydd in Margam with a further 52 also under construction just off Meadow Road in Neath.

Andrew Hall is Head of Development at Tai Tarian. He said: “Building new, sustainable homes is a big part of what we do. Over the past few years, we have built over 130 new homes across Neath Port Talbot. When these projects have been completed that total will stand at over 300.

“There is a demand for affordable, energy efficient homes and by building a variety of houses, flats and bungalows we can try to ensure that the needs of the people in our communities are met.

“We are very pleased to be working with local companies, Hale Construction, Castell Construction, CJ Construction and Jones Brothers (Henllan) Ltd on these projects. Like us, they are passionate about supporting the local economy through using local suppliers and giving job opportunities to local people. This ensures that as much of our investment as possible benefits our communities. We are also extremely confident that the homes they build will be of the highest quality.”

(Lead image: Tai Tarian)