Tenants are being handed the keys to their brand-new homes as they move into an innovative housing development, created by Newydd Housing Association – part of the first Urban Street project in the UK – in the heart of Barry’s historic ‘Goodsheds’ district

It marks the successful completion of a project which lawyers at Hugh James were proud to have supported – a pioneering regeneration scheme to create a modern, sustainable environment for communities to thrive.

Hugh James provided specialist support to Newydd throughout its project to build ‘Junction House’ – 24 social and 18 market rented apartments – within the £9m mixed-use scheme. The ‘Goodsheds’ project has been delivered in partnership with DS Properties (Goodsheds) Ltd, the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Newydd and marks a revolution in the way communities are created.

Planning permission was received in February 2019 to refurbish historic former railway buildings and build new private and affordable homes and commercial space. This scheme aims to build a sustainable community in the heart of Barry and pave the way for future developments that enable flexible ‘live, work and play’ facilities.

Commenting on the completion of Junction House, Commercial Property Partner at Hugh James, Caroline O’Flaherty, said today:

“This was an exciting project to be involved in and an honour to support Newydd on a pioneering development they should be rightly proud of. Creating thriving and connected communities, designed around the needs of modern life, particularly in these current times, is an ethos we wholeheartedly support at Hugh James. It’s great to see people moving into Junction House and the vision becoming a reality. We look forward to leading on more innovative, ambitious, and sustainable schemes like this in the future.”

A multi-disciplinary team at Hugh James team advised Newydd on all aspects of the build, with lawyers from its construction, conveyancing, banking, and commercial properties teams lending their expertise. The firm provided specialist advice on the site acquisition, construction, and leasehold documentation, as well as advice on the funding structure, which combined private finance streams with grants from the Welsh Government.

Jason Wroe, Chief Executive of Newydd Housing Association said today:

“Back in spring 2019, we worked with Hugh James over a number of months on the negotiation of a complex agreement to allow us to build much needed affordable homes for social and market rent in Barry. Their involvement was not only instrumental during these earlier stages but subsequently in producing a construction contract with our successful contractor.

Our tenants are now in the process of moving into their brand new homes in a fantastic location next to the Goodsheds in Barry, ensuring, in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council and the Welsh Government, that the regeneration of this area has good quality and affordable homes at his heart.”