In Rhyl, Wales, an innovative, residential-based revitalization project—the heart of Rhyl’s overall regeneration initiative—has won a prestigious UK award: “Best Regeneration Project (under 70 homes)” was bestowed upon them in December of 2018 at the 2018 UK Inside Housing Awards in London.
The Gronant Street and Abbey Street project was developed by the Pennaf Housing Group, next to the new Gerddi Heulwen greenspace.
“We are absolutely thrilled that this ambitious, innovative scheme has won national recognition. It is a real tribute to more than a decade of visionary partnership working with both the Welsh Government and Denbighshire County Council who had the foresight to recognise the integral part that high quality affordable housing for local people plays in the transformation of the town,” said Craig Sparrow, Executive Director for Development for Pennaf.
The project is a key signature housing element of the transformational urban regeneration partnership project. The public-private partnership includes the Denbighshire County Council and the Welsh Government.
The homes are a mixture of affordable homes for local people to rent or for home ownership under the Welsh Government’s Homebuy loan program. It’s managed by Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, which is part of the Pennaf Housing Group.
Minister for Housing and Regeneration Rebecca Evans explained, “We have provided £2.7m of investment for this fantastic scheme, which is creating much needed affordable housing for people in Rhyl, contributing to our target of creating 20,000 affordable homes during this term of government, and playing an important role in the regeneration of Rhyl. This is a great collaboration which is bringing real benefits to the town and I want to congratulate everyone involved.”
The £3.6 million development is one of a number of different housing options created around the Gerddi Heulwen greenspace and, as well as winning the overall “Regeneration Project Award” it was also a shortlisted finalist in the “Best Residential Development” (Under 70 homes) and “Best Affordable Housing Development” (Under 25 homes) categories.
Cllr Tony Thomas, the Council’s lead member for Housing, Regulation and the Environment concluded, “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this development. The Council is proud to have worked in partnership on this project, which is a key part of the ongoing regeneration of Rhyl and helps provide quality housing in the county.”
All images courtesy of Pennaf Housing Group.