The Welsh Government Minister for Housing and Regeneration was in Port Talbot this week to visit the town’s newest social housing development.
Carl Sargeant AM officially opened Coastal Housing Group’s £4.2m Customs House scheme situated on Talbot Road.
Standing on the site of the former Port Talbot Railway and Docks Company headquarters and Royal Buildings, Customs House comprises 46 apartments for social rent with 9 apartments specially adapted for wheelchair users.
Work started on the project in June 2012 and was completed earlier this year. All of the apartments have now been let, with a local supermarket moving into the commercial space on the ground floor in May.
Carl Sargeant, said “I am delighted to be here to celebrate the completion of this wonderful housing development in the heart of Port Talbot.
“The Welsh Government is committed to working with developers, housing associations and local authorities to increase the provision of good quality affordable homes in Wales and that is why we have supported the project with a grant of more than £2.4million.
“I am sure the residents moving in to these new apartments can look forward to many happy years in their new homes.”
The Housing Minister was joined by representatives from Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and Coastal Housing Group.
Steve Griffiths, Coastal Housing Group’s Head of Development, said, “Customs House provides much needed affordable housing in Port Talbot and, along with the recently completed Jubilee Court development in Aberavon, forms part of our ongoing regeneration of the town.”
Neath Port Talbot Council Leader Cllr Ali Thomas, said, “As Strategic Housing Authority for the area, Neath Port Talbot Council was pleased to support this development through the Social Housing Grant programme to help meet an increasing demand for affordable housing. Improving the supply of good quality well managed housing contributes not just to meeting these housing needs but also makes a significant contribution to our regeneration goals”.
More affordable homes will be built in Port Talbot if proposals for Coastal’s Green Park development are approved.
