The development of two adapted and accessible bariatric flats have been completed on the site of Library Court in Rhydyfelin.
The unused space was located on the ground floor of Library Court, a sheltered housing scheme which was developed in 2017 and created 32 affordable one and two-bedroom apartments. The building has communal facilities, including a rooftop terrace, and is also home to Rhydyfelin Library.
The ground floor space was initially intended for commercial use, but when this fell through, the decision was made to develop two bariatric properties.
Sarah Kirton, Development Manager at Trivallis, explained that: “RCTCBC’s Local Housing Market assessment identified a high demand for accessible properties that could
accommodate applicants with an adapted or bariatric need within the Taff area. We are proud to have delivered such in-demand properties that will undoubtedly change the lives of the tenants.”
Work began in April 2021, but the developer went into administration in July and the build was stopped. Eventually, Trivallis secured a contract with K&C Pearce and the planned works continued in February of this year.
Trivallis worked with RCT Council to allocate tenants to these properties. Regeneration and Development Team Administrator, Morgan Evans, said: We have worked closely with RCTCBC and the tenants, to ensure that the properties are adapted specifically to their needs to provide the utmost independence.
“Using a report produced by an Occupational Therapist, the needs of the tenants were identified, and the properties were able to be adapted specifically to their needs.”
Both properties have been built with widened doorways and a level access shower, and appliances such as a rise and fall sink and hob have been installed. These adaptations will allow the tenants to live safely and with support, while maintaining independence and dignity.
Having moved from Stoke to one of the redeveloped flats in Rhydyfelin, one tenant shares the struggles they faced before being given the opportunity to live in one of the accessible properties.
“I had limited support in Stoke, and my living situation was not the best. The property that I lived in was small and consisted of two rooms that was not adapted to my needs. I found it hard to move around easily there. Moving from one room to the next was a challenge.
“I am now closer to my family, who give me a lot of support. The flat is spacious and is adapted to my needs which gives me a lot more independence. It is so much easier to move around the property with the widened doorways. The level access shower is such a big difference as before I struggled with having to use a shower over a bath which was unsuitable for my needs.”
Trivallis would like to thank all the partners who have worked on this project, in particular, K&C Pearce, RCTCBC and Welsh Government.
To see more of our completed developments, visit: https://www.trivallis.co.uk/en/completed-developments/