Work to transform a historic building in the Caerphilly county borough into new affordable homes is continuing.
Oakdale Hotel, a three storey Grade II listed former public house located in the historic mining village of Oakdale, is being developed through a partnership between Pobl, Caerphilly County Borough Council and Welsh Government.
When completed, the site will comprise of 12 one, two and three bedroom homes, to be managed by Charter. Over £1.7 million will be invested into the programme, which includes a contribution of just over £1 million from Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant fund. Works are expected to be completed in autumn 2018.
The building had been derelict for some time and had become a magnet for anti-social behaviour. Local residents, including Oakdale and Penmaen Community Partnership, were keen to see the building brought back into use and worked with the council and Pobl on plans for the development.
Neil Taylor, Pobl Group’s Senior Project Manager, added “It’s been fantastic to have the opportunity to show some of our key partners how the regeneration of this historic building is taking shape and to talk to some of the apprentices about the valuable on-the-job experience they are gaining.”
Cadw have also been engaged in the project; working in partnership with the council and Pobl to ensure that lots of the building’s original features are retained.
The project has also delivered a number of additional benefits to the local community such as jobs and training opportunities with M & J Cosgrove, the contractor developing the site. There are three apprentices and a Trainee Quantity Surveyor currently working on the site; including carpentry apprentice Iestyn Rowlands, from the nearby village of Argoed. Iestyn told us: “I am enjoying my time working for Cosgrove as the work we are doing is very interesting as we are working on a very old building to create new homes. I am learning lots of new skills to help in my apprenticeship”.
Cllr Lisa Phipps, the council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Places, said “As well as providing much needed affordable homes in a desirable location, this development will also visibly improve the village centre; it being such a prominent building. It’s also really pleasing to hear about the additional benefits being delivered as a result of this project and the opportunities being provided for local people like Iestyn.”
Article added: 10th February 2018
