Pontardawe pupils have the word on the street

(L-R)Liz Howells Pennant's Sales Advisor,
Gareth Carsley Site Manager
& Mal Thomas,Contracts Manager congratulate Daisy,
LLyr & Cerys for their winning street names

Children from Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontardawe have had the honour of naming three new streets in the local area thanks to Pennant Homes.

The competition, devised by property developers Pennant, asked pupils for street name suggestions for its new Parc y Dderwen development located opposite the school. It allows the children to leave a lasting mark on the community in which they are situated.

The winning street names, which were announced in a health and safety assembly delivered by Pennant’s construction team, were ‘Old School Road’, from 10 year old Daisy, ‘Y Dderwen Ddu’, from 10 year old Cerys and ‘Heol y Cwm Bach’ submitted by Llyr, also 10 years old.

Mrs. Myfanwy Rees, headteacher of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontardawe, said, “We were so pleased to be involved in the street naming competition with Pennant Homes. Obviously the development is going to be a part of our lives for the next few years whilst it is under construction and this allows the children to take an ownership in what is happening within their locality.

“The children were very enthusiastic about the task and it certainly encouraged them to put their creative skills to good use. For the winners, it is an achievement they can cherish for years to come.”

Sandra Marsh, Pennant Homes’ commercial manager, said, “We were overwhelmed with the quality of all the entries and the judging process was made very difficult for us. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with the school on this occasion and hope there will be more opportunities for us to engage with the younger members of our community in the future.”

The streets will be officially named once Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council has approved the suggestions made by the children.

(L-R) Pupils Daisy, LLyr and Cerys put their mark on their community

Properties on the new housing development in Pontardawe are being snapped up months before the foundations are even laid, thanks to a unique first-time buyer scheme.

The Parc y Dderwen development consists of 81 new homes – a mix of properties ranging from two bedroom bungalows to three bedroom townhouses.

Through Pennant Homes’ Homebuy scheme, new home owners own 100 per cent of their property, but only pay a mortgage on 75 per cent of it, keeping monthly repayments affordable.

Another benefit of the home buy scheme is that no part of the 25 per cent loan has to be repaid until the property is sold.

Pennant Homes, part of the Coastal Housing Group, has over 30 years experience of providing homes and creating communities. It offers affordable housing, built to high specifications, across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, with plans to extend its development area across the breadth of south Wales to Pembrokeshire.

It offers a fresh approach to the housing market, specialising in providing homes for first time buyers through its Homebuy loans, where up to 25 per cent of the cost of selected properties can be funded and the initial deposit reduced to 5 per cent or less subject to status. Pennant Homes offers opportunities for people to own their own home who might otherwise be unable to do so.

Staff facing challenge to raise funds for Borneo!

At the end of June, Michelle an Executive Support Officer here with us at Coastal Housing took part in a 25 mile walk around the Gower Peninsular as part of the Gower Walking Festival. 

Though not fundraising for this walk, it was just a warm up for more challenging things to come, namely the Mountain Trail Challenge which is due to take place on the 15th September.  The challenge involves a 30 mile hike across the Brecon Beacons!

Michelle will be fundraising for Raleigh International in order to help build another Gravity Water Feed System in Borneo so please visit www.simplyfundraising.co.uk/fundraising-page?rid=124 to make a donation to the cause.

Click here to read about the impact of Raleigh's work in Borneo

A ‘blooming’ good day for Port Talbot residents

Ynys Lee tenants have been taking advantage of our gardening lessons!

Tenants living in Ynys Lee, Cwmavon have been putting their green fingers to the test to ensure their estate looks blooming lovely, thanks to free gardening lessons.

Estates Co-ordinator Chris McDonnell spent the day holding hanging basket and window box demonstrations for residents, which was also supported by Bryn and Cwmavon councillors Marian Lewis and Dave Whitelock.

It’s just one of a series of events at Ynys Lee. Some other recent events have included the opening of the newly refurbished nature trail and playground and a recycling road show.

Jayne Groenewald moved to Ynys Lee with her husband Conrad earlier this year. She said, “Coastal Housing really is a great landlord as they’re always organising events and it’s led to a real community feeling within the estate. The hanging baskets and window boxes are already going up and they’re really brightening up the place with a bit of colour. It’s blooming lovely!”

Janet Gange, one of our Housing Officers added, “It’s fantastic to see how the tenants are embracing the work we’ve carried out – whether it’s attending these sessions or using the newly refurbished playground. We’re in the process of submitting a planning application for a community shop on the estate, which will be run by residents and we’re very excited to see how that will further benefit the tenants and local community.” 

Coastal tenants Jayne & Conrad Groenewald with Coastal estates co-ordinator Chris McDonnell

 

 

 

 

Coastal estates co-ordinator Chris McDonnell demonstrates gardening techniques to the tenants of Ynys Lee and local councillors

Councillors Marian Lewis and Dave Whitelock with Coastal estates co-ordinator Chris McDonnell

Castle Quarter plans to go on display

Multi-million pound investment to regenerate historic city centre location

Plans for an exciting new development which could help transform a historic part of Swansea’s city centre are to go on display this week.

At Coastal Housing Group we have plans to invest almost £8 million in regenerating land off Castle Lane.  This development will offer affordable accommodation and new commercial units all under one roof.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Swansea’s historic castle remains, the Castle Quarter development will consist of 26 affordable rented apartments, with a further 4 duplex units overlooking the castle which are available for private sale. The ground floor of the development will consist of a small number of commercial units, including a kiosk located on The Strand.

The development represents a significant investment in the local economy.  Subject to planning permission being secured, the project will create more than 50 jobs during construction – which will also include apprenticeship opportunities. In addition, around a further 60 jobs will be created in the commercial units once it is open for business.

To ensure local people are aware of the plans for the development, we will be holding a series of public information events, which will be held at:

First Floor, 11 Wind Street, Swansea

·        Thursday, 5^th July  - 4pm to 7pm

·        Friday, 6^th July – 4pm to 7pm

·        Saturday, 7^th July – 10am – 1pm