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Local companies set to benefit from new homes in Flintshire

Published: 05/10/2015

Wates Living Space, the affordable housing contractor appointed in June this year to deliver Flintshire Council’s Strategic Housing and Regeneration Programme (SHARP), is calling for local businesses to facilitate the construction of 500 new homes across the county. The contractor is set to build a range of new council homes, affordable housing and open market units and is hosting a Meet the Buyer event for local Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from 2pm until 7.30pm on Wednesday, 7 October.at the Village Urban Resort, Chester Street, St. David’s Park, Ewloe The event will give sub-contractors from across a range of trades* the opportunity to meet the project team and tender to become part of Wates’ supply chain. The move forms part of a joint commitment by Flintshire County Council and Wates Living Space to ensure that construction of the new homes across Flintshire will bring a boost to the economy, whilst creating employment and training opportunities for local people. Subject to planning permission, the first projects will include the cleared sites of the maisonettes in Flint, the cleared site of the former Custom House School in Connah’s Quay and a rural site in Leeswood. Work is expected to commence early next year. As part of its work in Flintshire, Wates Living Space is also set to host a range of seminars for local SMEs and social enterprises as part of Flintshire Business Week , in an effort to maximise the community benefit created throughout the five-year project. Cllr Aaron Shotton, Leader of Flintshire County Council, said: “It’s a really exciting time as we start to see the benefit being created by our investment in new homes, an investment that will also go a long way towards ensuring that we are on the front foot in addressing the housing need. ”This programme is about much more than homes. It will create jobs and boost local businesses and I have no doubt that the ripple effects of benefit will be felt throughout the county over the next five years and beyond.” Lee Sale, Regional Business Director, Wates Living Space, added: “Ambitious regeneration schemes such as Flintshire Council’s Strategic Housing and Regeneration Programme are an invaluable means of ensuring that investment creates growth and opportunity. “Crucially these new homes will improve the quality of life for the people of Flintshire. Beyond this however, it is both Wates’ and Flintshire Council’s intention that a lasting legacy is created for local people and by engaging with local companies, we intend to create extensive opportunities for training and employment.” Notes to Editors *Full list of trades · Groundworks · Brickwork · Concrete laying · Joinery · Plastering · Roofing · Plumbing · Electrical · Painting and decorating · Mastic · Cleaning · Fencing · Landscaping · Windows · Kitchens · Rainwater goods About Wates Living Space Wates Living Space, part of the Wates Group, is one of the UKs leading affordable housing and maintenance providers.  Operating across the UK it is focused on working with local authority and housing association partners in their local communities to build more homes and improve existing housing through planned and responsive maintenance.  Wates Group, established over 118 years ago, employs over 2,400 people and posted a turnover of over £1bn in 2014. The first privately-owned company ever to be awarded Business in the Communitys Community Mark and in 2013 was awarded the inaugural National Business Award for Corporate Citizenship in recognition of its leadership and excellence in community investment.