Rhondda Cynon Taf based Housing Association RHA Wales have appointed established South Wales based Willis Construction as the main contractor to deliver ‘The Big Shed’ – a Flagship development of 51 new affordable homes and 11,000sqft of commercial space designed to reignite the town centre of Tonypandy.

The project sees the largest investment in the town for decades and will transform the main gateway into the town providing vibrant and active street frontage. Proposals for the site are deliberate, with an aspiration to complement rather than compete with existing businesses in the town, providing spaces that are not currently available within Tonypandy.

The residential element which is part funded by Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant programme will deliver 51 EPC-A rated apartments for affordable rent, a proportion of which will be managed by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and will provide specialist accommodation for adults with learning disabilities.

The development will achieve high levels of sustainability and energy efficiency, coupled with green and biodiverse external spaces which include green roofs and rooftop gardens and will ensure the project sets the tone in Tonypandy for a greener and brighter future.

Demolition of the existing building has taken place, and Willis are due to commence works at the end of October with contracts now in place. On awarding the contract for the project, RHA Development & Regeneration Director, Rhianydd Jenkins commented: “The Big Shed is just one of our regeneration projects within the town, we are absolutely committed to supporting and sustaining regeneration in the long term. As an anchor organisation, we are in this for the long haul and it’s important to us that the work we do now provides the platform for our future generations to build from and create a thriving town once again. The Team at Willis participated in a rigorous tender and assessment process which included interviews with our tenants and local community members to demonstrate their commitment and capability to deliver our project. We are looking forward to working together on this project and delivering as much as we can for our communities’’

Rhys Ford, Director at Wills Construction added; ‘Willis are delighted to be working in partnership with long standing partner RHA Wales.

We recognise the importance of this regeneration within Tonypandy, and with that in mind the delivery team we have selected is not just highly experienced, but local to the development and  cannot wait to commence works and integrate into the community with an exciting engagement project that we hope will leave a lasting legacy in the area.”