A new thread begins as tenants prepare to move into former Button Factory site

Tenants are set to move into ten new homes at Clos y Ffatri in Porth this May, as Trivallis completes its latest development on Catherine Crescent in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, Welsh Government and Bluefield Land Ltd.

The site, once home to the well-known “Button Factory”, has a rich industrial past, producing everything from leather trimmings and board game pieces to dice, and even wooden crates for Corona pop bottles.

Today, it marks the start of a new chapter, as part of a wider programme of energy-efficient homes designed using AECB CarbonLite principles, focusing on a fabric-first approach, transforming this former industrial site into a sustainable, future-focused place to live.

The development brings ten new homes to the community, including four one-bedroom flats and six two-bedroom houses. Built on land next to homes previously developed by Trivallis, the site has enabled the expansion of an established neighbourhood in a well-connected area.

The transformation of the former factory site into modern, energy-efficient homes reflects a future focused homestead.

Clos y Ffatri is also a milestone for Trivallis, as its first full development delivered using AECB CarbonLite principles, taking a fabric-first approach to improve insulation, retain heat and reduce energy use. The homes include features such as air source heat pumps, helping to improve energy efficiency, retain heat more effectively and reduce tenant bills. Guidance and support will also be provided to help residents get the most out of these new technologies as they settle in.

Sustainability has been carefully considered across the site, with garden systems designed to manage surface water and reduce the risk of flooding.

The development has also been shaped by local priorities, with successful elements supported through the Porth Decides initiative.

Via a community participatory budget the community benefits sum from the development saw two local groups, Gelli Life For Living and Shift Together receive just under £6k to support the work they do in the local area to support with activities for mental health and wellbeing groups.

Sarah Davies, Development Manager at Trivallis, said:

“Clos y Ffatri is a really important development for us, not only because it brings new, high-quality homes to the area, but because it helps us respond directly to local housing need.

Seeing this site transformed into new homes has been incredibly rewarding and reflects the close collaboration with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, Welsh Government and the hard work of Bluefield Land Ltd in bringing the scheme to life.”

A Bluefield representative noted:

“Bluefield Land is delighted to have delivered our first project in partnership with Trivallis.

The redundant factory was identified for re-development into much needed homes for the area.

Using our sister companies, Cardiff Demolition, Neal Soils and Atlantic Recycling the site was cleared for re-use with minimal environmental impact.

Working closely with the Trivallis team we have managed to achieve AECB Carbonlite status. This is an alternative to EPCA and is focused on a fabric first concept. The homes are heated with air source heat pumps and ventilated by mechanical heat recovery systems.  To bring this scheme to fruition has been truly rewarding.

We are very proud to handover these modern energy efficient homes, which will be comfortable and safe to live in.”

Councillor Mark Norris, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said:

“I am delighted to see this development come forward, providing 10 new energy efficient affordable homes to meet local housing need. Our partnership with Trivallis has enabled us to increase housing supply and create a sustainable, well connected community where residents can thrive. This project demonstrates the Council’s ongoing commitment to delivering affordable homes for people across our area.”

Supporting local housing demand

Homes at Clos y Ffatri will be allocated based on local housing need, ensuring they are matched to people whose circumstances suit the type of home available. The mix of properties has been designed to support a range of households, helping to create a balanced and sustainable community.

Trivallis looks forward to sharing more about the development and the people who will soon call it home.