The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James AM, praised the success of the partnership working behind one of Cardiff’s latest social housing developments.
Wordsworth Court consists of 48 x 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, which were built by Willis Construction in a prominent location near to the city centre. The land was previously occupied by derelict buildings, which were subjected to vandalism.
Judith James, Chair of the Board for Cadwyn Housing said: “We’re thrilled to have delivered another high quality scheme in Cardiff which meets the local, affordable housing need and is now home to a number of working families and individuals.”
Cadwyn worked with Cardiff Council to house those from the Housing Waiting List, and also partnered with the Welsh Veterans Association and the Salvation Army’s Housing First scheme to help house families and individuals who were living in unsuitable accommodation, or homeless.
Colonel Phil Hubbard OBE of the Welsh Veterans Partnership (WVP) said: “In partnership with Cardiff Council and Cadwyn, working to the spirit of the Military Covenant, WVP is delighted to have been able to home six military veterans in this new development at Wordsworth Court. Providing homes for veterans and service leavers is a challenge across the whole of the UK. It’s a challenge that we at WVP working with Welsh Government and a number of local authorities and Housing Associations, like Cadwyn are meeting head on in Wales with success.
“We look forward to working with Cadwyn and wish all tenants at this development a happy, positive move and resettlement.”
As well as having a positive impact on the lives of those who have been housed at the scheme, Cadwyn and Willis also ensured that the wider community benefited from the build with 95% of the contract value spent with businesses based in Wales. A “Meet your Neighbour” event is also planned so that the new residents can get to know each other and other members of the local community.
Peter Jenkins, Director at Willis Construction said: “The company is once again proud to have delivered another quality project for Cadwyn. We consider that this development is a product of a truly collaborative approach and has not only resulted in the provision of a substantial number of affordable homes within a great location, but also added value through the provision of training opportunities and community focused initiatives.”
After officially opening the new development and speaking with residents, The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James AM said:
“We have invested more than £4m in this development because we have committed to delivering 20,000 affordable homes during this Assembly term, and because we want everyone in Wales to be able to access good quality housing.”
Cadwyn Housing, who are celebrating 50 years of investing in people and places, are teaming up with Willis Construction again this year to convert 13 shipping containers into temporary accommodation for homeless families on behalf of Cardiff Council. Work on the development, which has been funded by the Welsh Government Innovative Housing Programme, is due to start in March.
