Long-Empty School Site in Wales to be Demolished for Social Housing
In a significant development for the community, the long-empty Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tonyrefail school site is set to be demolished to pave the way for the construction of 18 new social homes. The Victorian school site, located on School Street in Tonyrefail, has remained unused since 2018 when YGG Tonyrefail relocated to the former Tonyrefail Primary School.
Trivallis, a community mutual housing organisation responsible for managing RCT County Borough Council’s housing stock, is leading the redevelopment project of the disused land. The demolition process is scheduled to commence on November 25, with the construction of the new homes expected to follow soon after. The new development will comprise eight one-bed flats, six two-bed houses, three three-bed houses, and one adapted bungalow.
The demolition phase is projected to last for ten weeks and anticipated to be finalised by early spring 2025. Collaborating with partners such as the Welsh Government, RCTCBC, LeTrucco, RPA, Asbri Planning, Smarts Association, and SD Solution, Trivallis aims to transform the derelict school site into a vibrant housing community for residents in need.
Ahead of the demolition, all asbestos from the Victorian buildings has been safely removed by experts. The initial phase of the project will involve putting up scaffolding on November 18, with the demolition work officially commencing on November 25. While Trivallis assures minimal disruption during the process, some impact on traffic along School Street is expected during the initial setup.
Moreover, Trivallis is encouraging community members to contribute ideas on how to preserve the history of the former school. Suggestions range from murals, plaques, art installations, to naming the new homes in honour of the school’s legacy. Residents can share their thoughts or queries via email at [email protected].
Rachel Leigh, Head of Development at Trivallis, expressed excitement about progressing with the site redevelopment to address the pressing need for social housing in the area. She emphasised the organisation’s commitment to collaborating with the community and local authorities to ensure a positive impact on the neighbourhood.
As a social landlord, Trivallis aims to alleviate the housing shortage by constructing homes that meet the urgent demand while engaging with residents to enhance the local area. The organisation views the project as an opportunity to contribute positively to the community’s well-being and hopes to create a lasting legacy through this redevelopment initiative.
In conclusion, the demolition of the long-empty school site in Tonyrefail signifies a new chapter for the community, promising affordable housing options for residents in need. With the support of various partners and community engagement initiatives, Trivallis looks forward to transforming the disused land into a vibrant housing development that will benefit the area for years to come.