There’s good news for the people of Ruabon, with the announcement that a set of undeveloped buildings right in the centre of the village will soon see a new lease of life.
In 2004, a developer started work on three homes on the site of the former Victoria Garage in Ruabon, near the corner of High Street and Maes y Llan Lane.
But work on the buildings was never completed, and the half-finished houses have sat empty ever since.
Work to secure the site and make it safe has been carried out in the interim by Wrexham Council, but due to the complications around ownership and development, the buildings could not be knocked down or outright redeveloped.
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But now, thanks to a lot of hard work from Wrexham Council, the Crown’s Solicitors, Ruabon Community Council and Wales & West Housing, the eyesore site can now finally be redeveloped.
The buildings were acquired by the Crown Estate, who in turn sold them to Wales & West Housing.
This means that the housing association can now redevelop the site for much needed social housing in the area.
“Incredibly good news”
Cllr David Griffiths, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Housing, said: “It’s excellent news to see that some progress is afoot with these buildings.
“I’d like to thank those at our Housing and Economy Department and Cllr Davies as the local member for all the work they’ve put in on this – their efforts in following this up and ensuring a positive outcome have been indispensable.
“It’s also incredibly good news to see that the site will be redeveloped for social housing, which I am sure will be put to great use at the heart of Ruabon.”
Cllr Dana Davies, local member for Ruabon and Chair of Ruabon Community Council, said: “I’m incredibly pleased to have some good news regarding this site.
“The people of Ruabon have been blighted by this eyesore for too long, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who’ll be glad to see these buildings redeveloped and put to good use.
“I’m very grateful for all the support we’ve received from the Housing Partnership team at Wrexham Council, who have put in a lot of hours over this issue.
“I’m also grateful that we were able to make use of the Welsh Government’s empty homes funding which enabled the Council to pursue a successful legal solution.”
Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive of Wales & West Housing, said: “We’re delighted to be given the opportunity to transform this site into an attractive row of two bedroomed houses, to help meet the need for more affordable homes in Wrexham.”
For information about how to register for Affordable Housing, please contact the Council’s Housing Department on 01978 298 993.
Wrexham Council offers a number of incentives to support owners of long term empty properties including interest free loans, assistance with arranging contractors, and support to let and manage properties. For further information contact 019783 315 587 or e-mail emptyhomes@wrexham.gov.uk.
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