Wates Construction has been selected as development partner for a £209m regeneration of the Penrhys estate in the Rhondda, in a scheme that will transform one of Wales’ largest former public sector housing estates.
Housing association Trivallis has chosen the contractor to help deliver between 800 and 900 homes, with an initial phase comprising around 121 properties. The wider redevelopment will replace ageing housing with a mixed-tenure community incorporating new homes, commercial space and improved public facilities.
The hillside estate opened in 1968 with 951 homes. Decades of demolition and resident relocation have since reduced the development to around 200 homes across a 24-hectare site.
The concept masterplan proposes a new village centre, approximately 1,000 sq m of commercial space and extensive public realm improvements. Green spaces, play areas and community facilities will also feature, while the local council plans to provide a replacement primary school.
Trivallis intends to distribute private sale, shared ownership and social rented housing throughout the development, creating a mixed-tenure neighbourhood. More than half of the new homes are expected to be sold privately to help finance the regeneration, alongside replacement social housing for existing tenants.
Wates will work with Trivallis on the design and delivery of the scheme, with responsibility spanning the planning process, mixed-tenure housebuilding, sales and aftercare. The partnership is intended to coordinate the development over several phases as the estate is transformed.
The £209m award follows a three-stage procurement process, with one tender assessed at the final stage. The proposed contract will run for 10 years, with an option to extend by a further five years to accommodate unforeseen delays.
The contract is due to be signed from 20 October, with construction targeted to begin in 2027.
