Full steam ahead at housing development on former Ebbw Vale Comp and college site

A £29m project to bring more than 250 much-needed homes to Ebbw Vale has been hailed an “exciting new development” by the local authority.

Persimmon Homes, one of the largest housebuilders in the UK, has started work on 277 houses on the former Ebbw Vale Comprehensive School and College site.

The development on Waun-Y-Pound Road will be known as Carn Y Cefn and will be made up of two, three and four-bedroom homes.

A total of 55 of the properties will be available for social rent with United Welsh for prospective tenants on the Blaenau Gwent Council Common Housing Register.

As well as delivering desperately-needed homes to the area the development will create more than 200 jobs over the five-year construction period, as well as boosting the local economy by £7m per annum.

Persimmon has agreed to contribute £783,354 towards education provision, which will be split between Glyncoed and Willowtown Primary Schools.

Councillor Dai Davies, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Regeneration and Economic Development commented: “I am really pleased that work has started on this exciting new development.  This is a great example of how working in partnership can benefit communities and the local economy, allowing people to get on the property ladder whilst also creating many additional training and job opportunities.”

Bethan McPherson, Team Manager Connected Communities, said: “Strong working relationships with one of our key development partners, United Welsh; along with an unwavering commitment to deliver, has enabled us to attract a national house builder to Blaenau Gwent, providing open market homes and increasing our overall housing offer to local residents and those wishing to move to the area.”

Lynn Morgan, Director of Development and Regeneration at United Welsh, said: “It’s fantastic to see work begin on site in Ebbw Vale. Having homes available for social rent in Carn Y Cefn will not only be beneficial for the area and its residents but will have a positive impact on tackling the housing crisis in Wales.

“Creating communities full of high quality, affordable homes is a key priority for United Welsh, and this development is a huge step towards that. We look forward to seeing the homes come to life.”

More than 1,000 people have expressed an interest in the Carn Y Cefn homes, which are due to go on sale in November or December, with the first occupants in spring or summer next year.

Liam Scott, Regional Divisional Director for Persimmon Homes, said: “We are delighted to be progressing with this significant development in Ebbw Vale.

“This is a development made possible by strong collaborative work by a number of stakeholders, not least Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council.

“The benefits associated with the residential development are both proven and significant.

“But the regeneration benefits of developing this site extends beyond the economic factors and will deliver a lasting social and environmental legacy. We look forward to watching a new community emerge.”

People can register an interest in the homes by calling 01495 364 202 or by visiting www.persimmonhomes.com