A FORMER office block in Barry has been turned into 16 affordable homes after a major refurbishment in 2022.

Haydock House, in the centre of Barry, has been vacant since 2014. The project aimed to convert an empty building into 16 affordable homes, comprising a mix of one and two-bedroom flats.

Planning permission was first given in February 2014 to the housing association Hafod to transform Haydock House into flats. 

In 2022, Hafod partnered with local business Kestral Construction, a multi-disciplinary contractor with over 30 years of experience, to start a major refurbishment project.

Local Councillor Sandra Perkes, the council’s Cabinet Member for Public Sector Housing and Tenant Engagement, was given an exclusive sneak peek of the flats before completion.

Cllr Sandra Perkes, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Public Sector Housing and Tenant Engagement said: “There is currently soaring demand for affordable housing in the Vale of Glamorgan, with levels of homelessness at an all-time high and Council waiting lists longer than ever before.

“The council is working hard to address this situation, whether that’s by building our own accommodation developments or supporting partner organisations to do so. In this case, we helped Hafod Housing secure funding for the project, and I’m delighted with what they have delivered. 

“This is a fantastic collection of properties that will make a real difference to the people who live there.”

The scheme is due to be handed over in Spring 2024 and will provide much-needed affordable homes, regenerating the town centre, and bringing the building back to life.

Neil Taylor, head of development at Hafod, added: “As a socially conscious organisation, focused on making lives better through building communities and making connections, Hafod is committed to helping tackle the housing crisis in Wales.

“By developing energy efficient, affordable homes, Hafod puts a sense of place at the heart of its developments. 

"The new homes are located in the heart of the town centre near local amenities, including supermarkets, public transport connections and employment opportunities. “