New beginnings at Gerddi’r Maes Bach

Families have started moving into their brand new homes at Gerddi’r Maes Bach, Aberdare, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the community. The 15 four-bedroom homes were acquired by Trivallis last year after the original developer went into administration. Since then, the homes have been completed to meet Welsh Housing Quality Standards (WHQS) with the support of PEC Project.

Tenants received their keys this September, each bringing their own story, hopes, and plans for the future.

For Jasan and Laura, the move has been a long time coming. After living in Hirwaun for 15 years, they needed a home that better suited their daughter’s needs. When their previous property could not be adapted, they began searching for something new. Five years later, that search has led them here, to a four-bedroom home where the whole family can finally be together.

“This move has given us the opportunity to declutter as well as a fresh start,” said Laura. “We’ve lived in Hirwaun for a very long time and seen the children grow from toddlers into young adults. Now we’ve got space to do more together as a family.”

The change has also reunited the household. Their eldest son, had been living with grandparents next door, but now he has room to move back in and share family life under one roof.

“We’re hoping it will bring brightness into our lives. It already feels like home,” Laura added.

For Jasan, the excitement lies in what’s still to come. “I honestly hate change, I don’t like it. But in a year from now, I think that we’ll be settled. By Christmas, I want to say we’ll have that very special feeling.”

With a love of decorating and a shared sense of optimism, Jasan and Laura are already imagining how their new home will take shape and looking forward to the many memories they’ll create in it.

Natalie, who moved in with her family of young teenagers, spoke about the opportunities the new home will create for them. “This move means the world to us. It gives my children space to grow and opens so many doors for our future.”

For Gemma, who has a big family with children of different ages, including two under the age of two, the move was crucial. She expressed “It’s made such a difference to us already,” she said. “All of my children now have a room of their own, and we finally have the space we need to be together as a family.

Each front door now opens to new routines, laughter, and plenty of space to grow. With children enjoying bedrooms of their own to families planning their first Christmas in their new homes, Gerddi’r Maes Bach is already buzzing with fresh energy.