Gwar Y Garth, Penrhyncoch

Organisation name and Contact details

Wales & West Housing Association, Cwrt Y Llan, Lôn yr Eglwys, Castell Newydd Emlyn, SA38 9AB.  

Services delivered

Design and construction of 19 residential properties for social rent, including all associated infrastructure at Gwar Y Garth, Penrhyncoch, Aberystwyth, SY23 3FX.  Designed to WDQR 2021, all properties achieved EPC A rating using a fabric first approach, built in timber frame and incorporated PV generation, air source heat pumps for heating and hot water as well as air permeability of below 4.0 m3(h.m2)@50pa. 

How these are relevant to the requirements of this tender

The Gwar Y Garth scheme is located on the outskirts of Penrhyn Coch, a small village outside Aberystwyth, Ceredigion. Access to the development site was through narrow village roads so careful controls around logistics were put in place with all of the supply chain to avoid local disruption. The scheme at Gwar Y Garth involved the extensive cut and fill excavation of a former agricultural field to create a level development platform. The properties delivered at Gwar Y Garth were a mix of two and three bedroom semi-detached houses and one and two bed bungalows. 

Each property at Gwar Y Garth was designed to achieve EPC A (which was achieved at completion) by fabric first principles of high thermal retention from the external envelope of the property as well as low air permeability (sub 4.0 m3(h.m2)@50pa was achieved on each property at completion). Each property incorporated some on roof PV generation as well as air source heat pumps for heating and hot water generation.

The scheme at Gwar Y Garth was constructed from timber frame with highly insulated and air tight walls. Overall the project completed in October 2024 at Gwar Y Garth. 
 

How the contract was delivered successfully

The contract at Gwar Y Garth was delivered to the entire satisfaction of the client. Delivery timescales were achieved as well as all costs within the original tender sum. Quality was considered high in the completed development and tenants were very pleased to have properties on the new development. Engagement with the local community was successful during the delivery of the project and amongst other community engagement activities, new playing kit was provided for the local youth football team (photo provided with parental consent).  
 

Performance, including performance against KPIs.

The project was measured against the following Key Performance Indicators:

Ability to deliver to cost

The project was delivered within the original contract sum apart from a number of minor client variations instructed throughout the scheme. 

Ability to deliver to programme dates

Overall completion of the project was delivered a few weeks later than the original programme completion date due mainly to adverse weather, statutory authority delays and instructed client variations. 

Ability to deliver employment and skills benefits and community benefits initiatives

The scheme was monitored via the Welsh Government Community Benefits Measurement Tool V10. Two full time employment positions were delivered via the scheme as well as a total of 34 training and apprenticeship weeks. Cash donations and in-kind labour was provided to local organisations. Engagement with the local primary school was held and school visits were promoted (photo provided by principal of local school and features on school webssite).
 

Delivery of full Health & Safety compliance

The project was delivered with an injury free record with zero HSE interventions as well zero lost time and production due to accidents or incidents. 

Delivery of quality

High quality properties were delivered with high levels of tenant satisfaction upon occupation.

Ability to employ local labour and use of local supply chain

Over half of the revenue spent on the project was spent with local based businesses including sub-contractors and suppliers. One hundred percent of the companies salary and wages on the project was spent on people living in Wales. 

Period over which the contract was delivered

The date of site possession was 30th April 2022 and completion of the final properties was achieved in October 2024. 

Delivering in line with the language and cultural requirements.

The project was delivered in Penrhyn Coch, a village in which 59% of the resident population were recorded as Welsh speakers in the 2021 census. Promotion of the Welsh language and culture was encouraged throughout the scheme. Use of the Welsh language in site correspondence and management was an everyday occurrence. Site signage was bilingual. The major sub-contractors and suppliers used throughout the project were based in the Aberystwyth and north Ceredigion area.