Residents living on the Bro Myrddin estate in Carmarthen were recently treated to a tea party and fun day to say a big thank you for their patience and support during the construction of a new neighbouring housing development.
We teamed up with not for profit housing and social care provider Gwalia, part of the Pobl Group, to say thank you to local residents living near to their Old Oak Housing Co-operative development off Bro Myrddin. The event also allowed members of the new housing co-operative to meet their soon-to-be neighbours.
Local families were treated to a day of fun and games with music provided by the Samba Tawe band, the site safety mascot Ivor Goodsite joined in and there was an arts and crafts tent and plenty of refreshments on offer including a vintage ice cream and afternoon tea stall. The event was also attended by the Wales Co-operative Centre, Carmarthenshire County Council’s housing and community team and the local PCSOs.
There was also an information tent on hand, where local residents could find out more information regarding Old Oak Housing Co-operative as well as discover the varied career opportunities available in the construction industry.
Our Community Engagement Manager, Antonia John, said: “We’re delighted that so many members of the community – new and old – could come along to our tea party and fun day. Our work isn’t just about constructing houses, it is about building homes and communities, so it is very important for us to include the local neighbourhood in the work we do.
“Morganstone is always keen to say thank you for bearing with us while we operate construction sites like this one, to bring new affordable homes to West Wales. We hope the day helped residents of the established Bro Myrddin estate forge friendships with their newest neighbours that will last for years to come.
“We are immensely proud to be working on one of only three co-operative housing projects in Wales and we look forward to seeing the co-operative members settle into their new homes and communities.”
The Old Oak Housing Co-operative is one of three ground-breaking pilot projects in Wales and is being developed in partnership between Morganstone, Gwalia, Carmarthenshire County Council and Wales Co-operative Centre.
The first of its kind in Carmarthenshire, and one of only three being piloted in Wales, the scheme will feature 27 homes, with members of the co-operative managing the homes by way of an elected board of residents. The board will be responsible for managing key aspects of their homes, including repairs and allocations and how any financial surplus should be spent to the benefit of their community.
Morganstone is one of Wales’ fastest growing construction firms delivering developments for public sector organisations, private developers and residential landlords. The company employs almost 100 people and is headquartered in Llanelli.