Families are settling into a new chapter in Lliswerry as Hedyn celebrates the opening of 35 new homes at Long Meadow Court.
Delivered in partnership with J.G. Hale Construction, the development has transformed a former sheltered housing site into a modern mix of houses and apartments designed to meet local housing need. The scheme includes two four-bedroom properties in response to demand for larger family homes.
Residents recently moved in and joined neighbours and partners for a street party to celebrate the new community taking shape. For some households, the move follows time spent in temporary accommodation, while for others it offers a home better suited to their needs and the opportunity for a fresh start.
Among the new residents are Susan, 76, and her husband, who have lived in the area for almost 50 years. Following her husband's diagnosis of mixed dementia, the couple needed a smaller, more manageable home and were keen to remain in the community they know and love.
Susan said:
“When we found out we had been offered the flat, it felt as though we had won the lottery. I had worried we might have to leave the community and the people we know and love, but Hedyn listened to what mattered to us.
“Our new home is perfect for my husband and me. I feel much safer and more comfortable knowing I no longer have to manage two flights of stairs, and we can see ourselves spending the rest of our days here happily.”
The development has also provided a fresh start for Paul, an armed forces veteran who was previously homeless.
Paul said:
“Having my own home truly means the world to me after being homeless.”
Alongside delivering new homes, the project has created lasting benefits for the wider community. Working with residents, schools and community organisations, it has supported more than 2,400 people, invested approximately £37,000 locally and created 24 employment and work-experience opportunities.
Art has played an important part in that work. The Pontfaen shops mural and bespoke mosaic signs for Broadmead and Moorland were developed with ideas and involvement from Lliswerry Primary School pupils and the wider community. Children and young people took part in creative sessions with local artists and organisations to help transform overlooked spaces into colourful expressions of local identity.
Other community projects have included two accessible fishing pegs and educational boards at Lliswerry Fishing Ponds, helping the group expand activities for families and people with additional learning needs.
Safe-cycling sessions were funded for every Year 5 and Year 6 pupil at Lliswerry Primary School, alongside new signage to help address unsafe parking. Local sports clubs received equipment and resources, while support for Raven House Trust included regular donations and refurbishment of its kitchen for its food bank and community cooking programme.
The homes have been designed to achieve an EPC A rating and include air-source heat pumps, solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and sustainable drainage features, helping to maximise energy efficiency and reduce running costs.
Paula Kennedy, Chief Executive of Hedyn, said:
“Long Meadow Court is ultimately about giving more families a safe, comfortable and sustainable place to call home.
“A good home provides the foundation for so much more. It gives children the security and space they need to grow, enables people to remain close to the communities and support networks that matter to them, and gives families the chance to feel settled.
“But the impact reaches beyond the homes themselves. By listening to local people and working with schools, groups and organisations, we have used this investment to support skills, wellbeing, inclusion and community pride. I would like to thank J.G. Hale Construction, our community partners and Lliswerry's local councillors for their support throughout the project. It is wonderful to see residents settling in and the benefits of this partnership already being felt across the community.”
Councillor Saeed Adan, Newport City Council's cabinet member for housing and planning, said:
“Hedyn's latest development provides high-quality, energy-efficient permanent homes for local families. For some who may have been in temporary accommodation, it will give them the security and stability that is so important, especially for children.
“It's also important that residents can make valuable connections within the wider community. Hedyn's commitment to social value projects is making a real difference locally and is a model that I hope others will follow.”
The opening of Long Meadow Court forms part of Hedyn's wider commitment to providing quality, affordable homes and building connected communities where everyone can live well.
