Work begins on new social housing development in Johnstown

Work building a new social housing development in a Wrexham village is now underway.

Wrexham Council is working alongside Llangollen-based Gareth Morris Construction (GMC) to build a two-storey apartment block offering one bedroom apartments in Johnstown.

The development will be the launch of Wrexham County Borough Council’s first ever Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) form of build.

It aims to address the demand for homes that are suitable for single occupancy or couples.

Wrexham Council say that all of the new homes will include technology to keep them warmer for longer, while also reducing contract holder’s energy bills.

Work on the development, which is being supported by grant funding from Welsh Government, started in June and is expected to be completed by mid-2025.

In the coming weeks, GMC will be progressing with the erection of the timber frame and the following works.

GMC have installed a stone capping layer over the site, which will also help to keep the public highway clean.

Dylan Wyn Jones, Managing Director at Gareth Morris Construction, said: “We’re delighted to again be working with Wrexham County Borough Council, along with all other project stakeholders, to provide much needed affordable accommodation for people in the Wrexham Borough.

“Securing this repeat contract enables us to continue to provide employment and upskilling opportunities for the local community, including through our on-going engagement of local sub-contractors and suppliers.

“Through our established and embedded Community Benefits approach, this project also enables us to continue our work with the local communities of the Wrexham Borough, to provide them with other sustainable benefits.”

Councillor David Bithell Lead Member for Housing and Climate Change said: “I am pleased that the work on Heol Offa is developing well and that we are working in collaboration with Gareth Morris Construction (GMC).

“The work started on site at the end of June and I am looking forward to seeing the site progress into new builds which are going to begin to address the housing demand for one bed properties.”

Councillor Steve Joe Jones of the Pant and Johnstown Wards added: “I am pleased with the current progress of the new build on Heol Offa, in Johnstown.

“Hopefully this new development will help to address the current demand for accommodation in the Johnstown Ward.”