WORK has started on the site of St Paul’s Church in Penarth.

Newydd Housing Association, in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council, is delivering a £3million development to provide much needed affordable homes and community space for local people.

Keeping the façade of the church, Newydd has employed contractors WK Plasterers Ltd to build a multi-purpose community hall and 14 one and two bedroom apartments for affordable rent.

Newydd was selected by the council as the preferred bidder for this development back in 2017. Since this time the housing association has been working with local residents, the council and community organisations to alter the proposal to fit local need.

The development, which was approved by the Vale of Glamorgan Council in April 2018, will provide affordable homes. A local lettings policy will be in place, prioritising homes to people working and currently living in the area. The apartments will be available to let in Spring 2020.

The 368 square meter community facility, available in spring 2020, will offer two multipurpose halls, offices and a new kitchen area to a charity or not for profit business with an interest in providing key activities to local people.

Paul Roberts, chief executive of Newydd said: “We want this development to make a positive contribution to the community. The community space will provide an ideal venue for events, a meeting place for groups and an office space for meetings. We urge local organisations to get in touch to find out more about the available lease to ensure the most will be made of this fantastic facility.”

Cllr Jonathan Bird, Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for Regeneration and Planning, said: “This extensive scheme will transform this building into a modern facility, with a range of benefits for the local area, while maintaining its impressive exterior.

"Not only are we able to provide a supply of much-needed affordable homes, but also create a hub that local residents can use for a variety of purposes. These range from hosting children’s parties to local social groups and even businesses.”

For more information on the development, contact Darrel Powell at the email darrel.powell@newydd.co.uk