Coed Darcy: New community build on ex-BP site starts

Construction is beginning of a housing estate which forms part of one of the biggest regeneration schemes in Wales.

Developers St Modwen say it is a significant step forward for the £1.2bn Coed Darcy community near Neath, where 4,000 homes will be built on the site of a former BP oil refinery.

St Modwen said the work will provide about 880 local jobs, resulting in a new community of 10,000 people.

The Prince of Wales is supporting the scheme through his Prince's Foundation.

Sixty homes have already been built, but on Monday work will begin on Coed Darcy's main site which initially will be made up of 302 homes.

A range of homes, townhouses and flats will form the first of three residential neighbourhoods planned at Coed Darcy.

'Flagship development'

The first of the homes are expected to be for sale in December, St Modwen said.

Coed Darcy, which is supported by Prince Charles through his Prince's Foundation, will also have four schools, community, leisure and recreational facilities.

Work is also nearing completion on a £3m infrastructure programme - including a road linking the community to the M4.

St Modwen said the improved access is also set to benefit more than 100 tenants already working in the business park built for the project.

Rupert Joseland, the company's regional director, said: "Coed Darcy is a flagship development for us and a significant regeneration project for Wales.

"It will eventually be home to more than 10,000 residents and will also create more than 4,000 new jobs to support the local economy.

Much-needed boost

Ali Thomas, leader of Neath Port Talbot council, said: "The start of works on the new phase of housing is a very positive development for Coed Darcy.

"This is a key regeneration scheme for Neath Port Talbot, set to deliver thousands of homes, new community facilities and local jobs."

BBC Wales business correspondent Nick Servini said Coed Darcy will provide a much-needed boost for the construction industry. Latest figures show housebuilding rates are down 12% from a year ago.

Andrew Compton, director of housebuilder Persimmon which is working with St Modwen, said the company was setting up an office in Swansea to expand its operations in west Wales.

"Coed Darcy is one of several new projects to commence in west Wales in the next few months, all of which will not only provide new homes but a boost to the local economy and thousand of new jobs over the new few years," he said.