Wrexham Council has acquired two properties within an exciting new development in Acrefair, supported by funding from the Welsh Government’s Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme (TACP).
The Council has worked in collaboration with Gower Homes, a highly experienced local developer responsible for constructing over 950 homes in Wrexham and surrounding areas.
Located on Heritage Way in Acrefair, these three-bedroom homes feature high-quality fitted kitchens and bathrooms, along with landscaped front gardens that include turf and planting.
Gower Homes has recognised the proximity of the homes to a main road and has implemented effective soundproofing measures to reduce noise levels. These include double glazed windows with a sound insulated ventilation system to the front of the properties which ensures a quieter living environment. These features are essential for enhancing the comfort of residents.
This Brownfield Site has been derelict for over 10 years, presenting a valuable opportunity to develop housing that revitalises the area while meeting the growing demand for homes.
The Council has continued its investment in smaller villages and rural locations rather than solely focusing on the city centre.
These properties support a ‘pepper potting’ strategy, which facilitates community integration and fosters a more diverse community.
As these homes have been bought “off the shelf” they are ready to be allocated immediately through the Council’s standard allocation process and banding system.
The properties also feature exceptional carbon-saving technology, including state-of-the-art Air Source Heat Pumps. This aligns with the Council’s dedication to improving energy efficiency and reducing their carbon footprint, while providing potential cost savings for contract holders.
Air source heat pumps future-proof homes as they offer an energy-efficient alternative to heat and cool the property, by transferring heat between outdoor and indoor air. This can lower running costs compared to conventional systems.
Gower Homes prides itself on its low-carbon emission homes. The company states that the high levels of insulation combined with environmentally friendly Air Source Heat Pumps reduce carbon emissions by an impressive 89% compared to the average UK household.
Michael Forgrave, Managing Director for Gower Homes said “We are delighted that Wrexham County Borough Council have chosen to buy two more of our houses. We have enjoyed a very long standing relationship with the council, spanning over 40 years”
This is the second purchase of its kind by Wrexham Council and is an exciting opportunity to expand the Council’s Build and Buy Programme. This initiative also includes purchasing former council properties, exploring new opportunities for Council housing, and working with developers in Wrexham to meet Council housing needs.
Councillor Paul Blackwell for Acrefair North said, “I welcome the Council purchase of two houses for affordable rent on this new housing estate in Acrefair by Gower Homes. High-Quality affordable housing for local people is what we need, and this purchase is a small step to meeting that need”
Councillor David A Bithell Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change added, “This is an exciting housing development, demonstrating a strong commitment to energy efficiency. It is great to have a working relationship with Gower Homes, and we are pleased to have these two properties on offer for new contract holders.”
