A housing regeneration project has received a substantial funding package to address the high number of empty properties in Wales.<\/p>\n
Community Impact Initiative has been awarded \u00a3477,285 by the Pen Y Cymoedd Community Fund to continue work regenerating empty properties in the upper reaches of the Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon valleys through its Building Resilience in Communities (BRiC) project.<\/p>\n
There are more than 120,000 unoccupied homes in Wales (about 8.2% of all dwellings) according to the Office for National Statistics. Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council says there are currently 2,704 known empty properties in the local authority area.<\/p>\n
Through the BRiC initiative, long-term empty properties are purchased, often at auction, refurbished to a liveable standard and returned to the housing market.<\/p>\n
Established in 2016, the initiative also offers a volunteer working programme to anyone over the age of 16, enabling people to learn new skills, adapt to a work life balance, and develop confidence in the construction industry.<\/p>\n
Rhys Kedward, 16, became involved with BRiC after looking for opportunities to build his hands on experience in construction while studying in college.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey teach you the way your able to be taught,\u201d Rhys said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI prefer to be shown how to do something rather than told. For some people it\u2019s the opposite but they adjust to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rhys added: \u201cI wasn\u2019t the best in school but here it\u2019s helped me learn.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paul Gall, 49, moved from Bristol to Treforest and began working on the project last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy partner was diagnosed with epilepsy ten years ago, so I stepped away from the trade to care for her around the clock,\u201d Paul said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI worked in Germany as a plasterer, became a qualified carpenter in Bristol, and I was a project manager, too. But being away from the site for so long has knocked my confidence.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorking with different people again has been beneficial for me. You\u2019d never see me raise my arm in meetings and make suggestions on projects a few years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n