Developers help residents hold welcome street party

The event –  organised by residents Claire Dowd and Debbie Pike –  was part-funded by donations from the housebuilder and its contractors WD Lewis and Ian Williams Carpentry. The money was used to pay for food, drink and party accessories.

Residents Claire and Debbie became friends after moving into their new homes at the development and their aim was to help people who have moved to Parc Mawr get to know each other, as well as people who have reserved a new home but are yet to move in.

Claire, who has experience in events management in the wedding industry, said: “We wouldn’t have been able to host this event without the help we received from Bellway, Ian Williams Carpentry and WDL so we want to thank them for their generous contributions.

“The event was really successful and the residents are already asking when the next social event will be!”

Residents enjoyed Domino’s pizza, which was supplied at a discount, as well as prosecco, beer and soft drinks. Money was also spent on bunting, tablecloths and balloons.

The event took place on the greenery just opposite Claire’s house and through her window Claire played music on her sound system facing the street party.

Claire said: “Debbie and I have got to know each other first as neighbours and now we are great friends so we wanted to provide other residents with the opportunity to get to know each other over prosecco and pizza.

“We have a Facebook community group at Parc Mawr and I suggested a list of possible dates to host this event to suit the majority of residents.”

Bellway is building 147 two, three and four-bedroom houses for private sale at Parc Mawr, alongside 37 affordable homes available for local people through shared ownership or rent. The first of these were handed over to Swansea-based housing association Caredig earlier this year.

Claire said: “On the day there were around 60 people – mostly residents, families who are due to move to the development and guests. It was lovely to see residents who have bought with shared ownership or who are renting homes at Parc Mawr as well at the event.”

Loredana Williams, People & Culture Director at Ian Williams Carpentry, said: “IWC endeavour to improve the communities in which we operate, whether that be through social value initiatives or ensuring sustainable practice. It is always a pleasure when we are approached, we were honoured to contribute and actively participate in such a great community initiative.”

Rhodri Davies, Sales Manager for Bellway Wales, said: “When Claire and Debbie reached out to us and suggested organising a street party to get to know their neighbours, we were more than happy to get involved.

“We’re not just building a range of new homes at Parc Mawr, we’re also supporting a community which is taking shape here at the development. Claire and Debbie have organised a wonderful event which I’m sure residents will remember in years to come and reminisce on the wonderful memories they’ve shared together along the way.”

“It’s so nice to see how Claire and Debbie are putting in the time and effort to organise an event like this – and I’m sure newer residents will benefit from meeting their neighbours at events like these in the future.”