Apartment scheme at former YMCA building site in Porth

A brownfield site in Porth, which once housed a YMCA building before it was destroyed in a fire in 2008, is being turned into a new social housing scheme.

In its first development outside of the Bridgend area housing association Valleys to Coast, in partnering with developer and contractor Castell Group, is delivering a the 21 apartment scheme. Work on the £4m project is under way with the one bedroom apartments scheduled to be ready for occupancy in the spring of 2026.

The project is being funded by by Valleys to Coast and the Welsh Government (in partnership with RCT Council) throughshout its Social Housing Grant capital programme.

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Darrin Davies, director of development at Valleys to Coast, said: “This is a landmark moment for us as we expand our efforts to provide much-needed affordable housing outside Bridgend. By redeveloping this site, we’re not only meeting the urgent housing needs of the community but also contributing to the area’s revitalisation.

”The project will feature 21 energy performance certificate A-rated one-bedroom flats, each equipped with non-fossil fuel heating and solar panels to help residents manage their cost of living. The homes will be offered at social rent and allocated through the general needs waiting list managed by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council ensuring they reach those who need them most."

Valleys to Coast provides over 6,000 affordable homes across the Bridgend area, alongside a portfolio of commercial properties, garages and leasehold flats.

It was established in 2003 as the first large-scale voluntary transfer of council-owned homes to a social housing association in Wales.