United Welsh scoops top housing

award

United Welsh has been acknowledged for its impressive work in developing and regenerating communities. At a high profile event in Cardiff, we were rewarded for our innovative approach to housing development and community regeneration.

Each year the Chartered Institute of Housing Cymru hold a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony. This special evening is held to celebrate the significant achievements of organisations and individuals which have helped to make a real difference in communities and workplaces across Wales.

United Welsh took the top prize for ‘Developing and Regenerating Communities’. The award entry focused on the regeneration work in and around Bargoed. Work included the development of affordable housing, a new health centre, jobs and training for local people, work with schools and much more. The initiative is seen as a ‘complete’ approach to community regeneration.

Peter Laing, Chair of United Welsh said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this award in recognition of all the hard work that has been done by the organisation. We are fully committed to the regeneration of Welsh communities and our work in Bargoed is a high quality example of what can be achieved.

“I would like to acknowledge the significant contribution of our partners in achieving this award, particularly Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Welsh Assembly Government. Their support has been key in bringing such a wide range of development projects to fruition.”

The work in Bargoed began in January 2008 with the development of 28 new affordable homes. The homes incorporated a range of micro – renewables that will have a significant impact on both the environment and in tackling fuel poverty – they include rain water harvesting, air source heat pumps, and solar hot water heating systems. The development also offered a range of opportunities for construction trainees. There were 10 on-site during construction of the homes, learning a trade as part of an employment programme. Most of the trainees have since secured full-time employment in the construction industry.

In February 2009 Leighton Andrews AM opened the new Health Centre in Bargoed. The building was previously a Government Job Centre constructed in the late 1960’s and closed about three years ago. The Building has been completely refurbished by United Welsh and now provides accommodation for Podiatry and Sexual Health Departments.

Future plans include work to convert Hanbury Chapel into a new state-of-the-art library and customer contact centre. The exciting plans will involve the redevelopment of the Baptist Chapel into a community facility for Bargoed and the wider population. A new worship space will be created within the existing Sunday School Level and a Customer First Facility will be integrated within the library.

3rd December 2009

Peter Laing (Chair) receiving the award from Steve Long of the Chartered Institute of Housing