New homes for site of offices destroyed by fire
NEW social housing flats will be built on the site of former offices and housing in Tonypandy that were destroyed by fire.
There will be 13 affordable apartments built at 122-126 Dunraven Street which was previously commercial premises on the ground floor with residential accommodation above.
The building was demolished after being damaged by a fire back in June 2020.
Built in 1915, it was once home to the Tonypandy Businessmen’s Club and it was also used to film parts of the TV show Stella.
The flats are due for completion in Autumn 2023 with the estimated total cost being £2.8m of which £1.65m has come from Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant with RHA (Rhondda Housing Association) Wales to pay for the remaining £1.15m.
RHA Wales is behind the scheme and has received £148,000 from the council through the Welsh Government’s Targeted Regeneration Investment (TRI) programme to pay for demolition work.
The council identified the site as a strategic priority for the wider Tonypandy town centre regeneration plan.
It will also include two apartments adapted for people with a disability.
Councillor Mark Norris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s cabinet member for development and prosperity, said: “These apartments will be a welcome addition to Tonypandy town centre.
“They will provide much-needed, affordable housing for the community in the heart of the town.
“Residents of these apartments will have easy access to town centre amenities, good public transport links, and help increase footfall in the town centre for businesses.
“RHA Wales have ambitious plans for several sites in Tonypandy and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council will continue to support developments that improve and enhance town centres across our county borough.”
Rhianydd Jenkins, director of development and regeneration at RHA Wales Group, said: “Redevelopment of this site will transform the area and provide high quality and energy efficient homes for local people.
“Our new building has been designed to respect the history and heritage of the former ‘Biz Club’ which previously occupied the site, using similar materials and finishes as far as possible.
“This project forms part of our regeneration strategy for Tonypandy, and we are looking forward to working with local businesses and the community as our project progresses.”