Tir Coed, Gwersyllt

Organisation name and Contact details

Wales & West Housing Association, Ty Draig, St Davids Park, Ewloe, Deeside, CH5 3DT, 

Services delivered

Design and construction of 23 residential properties for social rent, including all associated infrastructure at Tir Coed, Dodds Lane, Wrexham, LL11 4BF.  Designed to WDQR 2021, all properties achieved EPC A rating using a fabric first approach and incorporated PV generation, air source heat pumps for heating and hot water, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems as well as air permeability of below 2.0 m3(h.m2)@50pa. 
 

How these are relevant to the requirements of this tender

The Tir Coed, Gwersyllt, scheme is located in Wrexham. Castlemead Group Limited’s home city. The scheme at Tir Coed involved the extensive cut and fill excavation of a former agricultural field to create a long section of adoptable highway. The properties delivered at Tir Coed were a mix of two and three bedroom semi-detached houses, one and two bed bungalows and four walk up apartments.

Each property at Tir Coed 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 2.0 m3(h.m2)@50pa was achieved on each property at completion). Each property incorporated some on roof PV generation, air source heat pumps for heating and hot water generation as well as mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems. Achieving EPC A on all properties is a general requirement withal future schemes and our experience on the Tir Coed scheme, as well as a number of other social housing schemes completed over the past few years, will bring benefits in the design and build process for our future sites. 

The scheme at Tir Coed was constructed from timber frame with highly insulated and air tight walls and roofs. Overall the project completed in October 2024.

How the contract was delivered successfully

The contract at Tir Coed 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 particular interest was shown by the local primary school who’s pupils visited the scheme at completion. 
 

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 client variation to fit soft floor coverings instructed part way through the scheme. 

Ability to deliver to programme dates

Overall completion of the project was delivered some 3 weeks later than the original programme completion date due mainly to adverse weather and some statutory authority delays. However the scheme was occupied on a phased basis, with some handovers taking place ahead of the original completion date.

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. 

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 3rd April 2023 and completion of the final properties was achieved on 25th October 2024. 

Delivering in line with the language and cultural requirements 

The project was delivered in Wrexham and promotion of the Welsh language and culture was encouraged throughout the scheme. Site signage was bilingual. Local sub-contractors and suppliers were used throughout the project.