Fanheulog: We’re giving the building a new future

We know how strongly many people in the community feel about Fanheulog.

It has been an important part of the area for many years, and we know there has been disappointment and frustration about the building being emptied and the uncertainty about what would happen to it.

We can now confirm some good news:

The building will not be demolished, which as one of the previous options we had considered. We will refurbish the building and bring all 31 homes back into use, brining quality, more affordable homes back into the area.

Why have the plans changed?

Since the building was emptied, we have looked carefully at what could be done with it.

We have found that the problems with the building can be dealt with through refurbishment. This means we can keep the building and its 31 homes, rather than demolishing it and starting again.

The work will include improvements to the roof, fire safety, the homes themselves and the outside of the building and surrounding area.

What will happen to the homes?

Fanheulog will no longer be used as sheltered housing.

The 31 homes will be available for private rent to anyone who wants to live in the area. By offering rents below the local market rate, we hope to make living in the area more affordable for people who might otherwise be priced out of the local rental market.

What about the people who used to live there?

We know this is something many people have strong feelings about.

The residents who previously lived at Fanheulog were moved because their homes were no longer considered safe, or the best option for their individual needs and wellbeing. The layout and different levels of the building also made it more challenging as a sheltered housing scheme, which is why, through the regeneration of the building, we have focused on a different type of tenancy that could benefit people in the area.

We understand that leaving a home where people had lived and built friendships was difficult.

Although Fanheulog is now going to be kept, there are no plans to move the former residents back. They have now moved into homes that better meet their needs and support their wellbeing and independence.

We can therefore give Fanheulog a new future while recognising the important role it played in the lives of the people who lived there.

What happens next?

We’ll now develop the detailed plans for the refurbishment. We currently expect the homes to be ready for new residents in early 2028, subject to the programme.

We’ll keep the community updated as the plans progress and will of consult local residents before works take place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why have you changed your plans for Fanheulog?

Since the building was emptied, we have taken another look at what could be done with it.

We have concluded that the issues with the building can be dealt with through refurbishment. This means we can keep the building and its 31 homes, rather than demolishing it and starting again.

We believe this is the best way to give Fanheulog a future and bring the homes back into use.

Is Fanheulog definitely not being demolished?

Yes. The plan is now to keep the existing building and refurbish it.

What is wrong with the building?

Fanheulog is an older building and needs significant work to bring it up to a good modern standard.

This includes work to the roof, fire safety, the condition of the homes and parts of the outside of the building.

Will the refurbishment make the homes better?

Yes. The work will include improvements to the homes, the building and the areas around it.

The aim is to provide good-quality homes that are safe, comfortable and suitable for new residents.

Will the former residents move back?

No.

We understand that this may be difficult for people who remember Fanheulog as sheltered housing and knew the residents who lived there.

The former residents have now moved into homes that better meet their individual needs and support their wellbeing and independence. Those moves will not be reversed.

Why were the former residents moved if Fanheulog is now being kept?

At the time, the decision was made because the existing accommodation was unsafe and no longer considered the best option for the needs and wellbeing of the people living there.

The fact that we have now decided to retain and refurbish the building does not change that. The former residents have moved into homes that are better suited to them.

Will Fanheulog still be sheltered housing?

No.

The building will no longer be used as sheltered housing. The 31 homes will become general housing.

Who will be able to live there?

The 31 homes will be available for private rent to anyone who wants to live in the area.

This will provide good-quality, affordable homes for people who want to live in the area but may find full market rents difficult to afford.

Why are you charging 80% of market rent?

This allows us to provide homes at below the full market rent while making them available to a wider range of local people.

It gives people another affordable option for renting a good-quality home in the area.

Will the homes be available on Homefinder as part of local social housing allocations?

No, as private rentals these will not be allocated via the local housing register.

Will local people get priority?

The homes will be privately rented and open to anyone who wants to live in the area and meets the letting requirements.

When will the work start?

There is still some work to do to develop the detailed plans before the refurbishment can begin.

When will people be able to move in?

We currently expect the refurbished homes to be ready for occupation in early 2028, although this will depend on the final programme and how the work progresses.

Will the building look different?

The refurbishment will improve both the inside and outside of the building. The detailed design is still being developed, so we will be able to share more information about how Fanheulog will look once those plans are further advanced. We will also be improving the wider estate through landscaping and repair works.

Will the community be kept informed?

Yes. We know there is a lot of interest in Fanheulog and we will continue to provide updates as the plans develop.

What happens next?

We will now work through the detailed refurbishment plans, agree how the homes will be managed and prepare for the work to begin.

Our aim is simple: to keep Fanheulog, improve it and bring its 31 homes back into use.