Colin and Flo Blakely are the proud new tenants of the completely transformed property on Vale Street, Denbigh, which had lain empty for 15 years before a number of organisations stepped in to bring it up to scratch.
The complete refurbishment of the building, jointly owned by Dafydd Roberts, who runs the butchers next door, was made possible thanks to an Empty Homes grant for the internal works. Denbighshire’s Townscape Heritage Initiative along with Heritage Lottery grant funding was made available to restore the exterior of the Grade II listed building.
Speaking on the day they signed the tenancy agreement, Colin and Flo said they were over the moon with their new home. “It’s beautiful – a lot more than we could have hoped for and we’re near to everything we need here,” said Flo, adding: “We’d just like to thank everyone for the help they’ve given us.”
The project was designed and managed by Creu Architecture and the work was carried out by Pen y Bryn Joinery. Work started in August and was completed by December.
Debbie Nalecz, Denbighshire’s Empty Homes Officer, a post funded by North Wales Housing, explained that Tai Clwyd will be managing the tenancy on behalf of the owner for a period of five years. “One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is to see a previously vacant property being given a new lease of life and seeing it transformed into someone’s home……I’m delighted for Flo and Colin and wish them every happiness in their new home.
Noela Jones, Director of Housing and Communities at Tai Clwyd said: “We would like to thank Denbighshire County Council and particularly Dafydd Roberts for selecting us as the preferred partner to undertake the day to day management of this newly refurbished property. Flo and Colin are clearly delighted to be living here and we will do all we can to help them settle quickly into their new home”
Councillor David Thomas, Lead Member for Regeneration and Tourism commented “This is fantastic result for everyone involved in this project. I hope the excellent partnership work that is being carried out between Denbighshire County Council and North Wales Housing on empty homes in Denbighshire continues to grow from strength to strength”.
