Work begins to transform the former YGG Tonyrefail

On 25 November, demolition work will begin by our contractor J2R Demolition. 

We know many residents will welcome this work, as the former school site has been a bit of an eyesore for some time. Most importantly, this marks an important step to bringing the site back into use, turning the empty land into much needed social housing in the area.  

If you’re passing the site, you may notice scaffolding being put up from Monday 18 November, which marks the start of the transformation of this site.  

The demolition work is expected to be completed by early spring in 2025, to make way for 18 new homes to be built.  

We know that many members of the community have fond memories of the former school, and we would like to mark these with a display that will allow these memoirs to live on.  

Whether it’s a mural, a plaque, piece of art or naming the new homes, if you have an idea of how we can mark the history, let us know.  

Please send any suggestions or questions you may have to DART@trivallis.co.uk.  

This development will be in partnership with Welsh Government, RCTCBC, LeTrucco, RPA, Asbri Planning, Smarts Association and SD Solution. 

In the meantime, you can also check out our FAQ’S below.   

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to transform this area in the community. 

FAQs 

Why are the buildings being demolished? 
The buildings are in very poor condition and don’t fit with our plans to improve the area. We want to create spaces that are safe, modern, and great for the community. The former school will all be taken down by our contractor, J2R Demolition. They’ll provide updates as the work progresses.  

What are the plans for the site? 
Following the demolition work, we will be going out to tender for a contractor to begin work on building the 18 new homes. This will consist of 8×1 bed flats, 6×2 bed houses (2 adapted), 3×3 bed houses (1 adapted), and 1 x adapted bungalow being built.   

How will the work affect the surrounding area? 
We do not anticipate working affecting any of the surrounding areas. Should this change, we will inform you. 

How long will the demolition take? 
We expect the demolition to take around 10 weeks, but with the Christmas period falling in the middle of this time, the work is expected to be completed by early spring. 

Will the road be affected? 
For the most part disruption, should be minimal throughout. However, during site set up (week commencing 18 November), as a result of surrounding water works, the scaffolding delivery trucks will need to reverse down the one-way system on School Street in order to access the site. We will write to residents on the surrounding streets with further information. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.  

Who can I contact with questions? 
You can email us at Dart@trivallis.co.uk.  

Is there asbestos or other dangerous materials? 
All asbestos was safely removed by experts before demolition. The buildings have been properly prepared to ensure everything is safe.  

Will the site be secure? 
Yes, the site will be monitored 24/7 by Aegis. We’ve also added extra security measures to reduce the chance of trespassing or anti-social behaviour during the work.  

What is happening to the wildlife on the site? 

Our ecologists and the council’s ecologists have identified the presence of House Martins. We have now worked with them to provide alternative shelters where the birds can naturally relocate following the demolition works 

Bats have also been identified in 2 of the 3 buildings. Again, we are following the ecologists’ recommendations, which will see us hand strip the roofing under the supervision of the ecologists who will oversee their removal prior to demolition.  

Other housing associations are already building nearby. Could this site be used for something else?  

Other Housing Associations are building in the area, and our new homes are part of a joint effort to meet the high demand for social housing. While the land could be used for other purposes, our priority is to help address the housing shortage while working with the community to create a welcoming environment where everyone has the chance to thrive. 

Who will these homes be going to? 

The homes will be added to the common housing register and then allocated by RCT CBC.