Plans are in motion to repurpose a former hotel in Merthyr Tydfil into accommodation for the homeless. Partnering with Merthyr Valleys Homes, the council is proposing to convert the former Tregenna Hotel in Park Terrace into 19 apartments of temporary supported living accommodation. The aim is to provide housing for individuals experiencing homelessness and offer a spectrum of services, support, and training.
An application submitted for this development highlighted that there is currently a 23-bed hotel and visitor car park on the site. Due to the “no-one left out” approach adopted by the Welsh Government during the Covid-19 pandemic, local authorities like Merthyr Tydfil Council have increasingly relied on local B&Bs and guesthouses to provide temporary accommodation. As a result, the Tregenna Hotel was utilized by the council from November 2020 to house vulnerable residents in emergency accommodation.
The proposal includes offering emergency support for those with needs, transitional support to aid in sustaining a tenancy, as well as training opportunities to equip individuals with independent living skills. The scheme aims to deliver housing-related support through 19 units catering to homeless individuals with high or intensive support requirements. The refurbished building will feature communal spaces such as a kitchen, dining area, lounge, and activity room, alongside improved rooms, laundry facilities, and round-the-clock on-site support.
Furthermore, the plan entails allocating eight parking spaces for staff members, who would comprise a manager, scheme support officers, an accommodation coordinator, and project workers. The scheme envisions a maximum of five staff members on-site at any given time, ensuring adequate support for the residents. The ultimate goal of the supported accommodation scheme is not just to address immediate housing needs but also to focus on long-term success by providing tailored support for a smooth transition to sustained accommodation.
With 118 people currently residing in temporary accommodation, including 82 individuals in unsuitable B&B placements, the project aims to tackle the challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis and other socio-economic issues. Through this collaborative effort between Merthyr Tydfil CBC and Merthyr Valleys Homes, the Tregenna Hotel is set to undergo a transformation into a vital resource for individuals experiencing homelessness in the community.