Cyngor Gwynedd takes the first step towards building affordable housing

Work has begun on the site of the old library in Llanberis which will see Cyngor Gwynedd build three affordable homes for local people. 

Over the next few months, through the Ty Gwynedd scheme, Cyngor Gwynedd will build its first houses in over 30 years, to meet the high demand for suitable houses that are within reach of local people.  

The first step for this specific project in Llanberis is to demolish the existing building – which has been empty since the closure of the library in 2017 – before construction work begins on two semi-detached houses with two bedrooms; and one detached house with three bedrooms.  

OBR Construction has been appointed to clear the site and build the new homes, while Saer Architects worked alongside Cyngor Gwynedd to develop the innovative plans. 

The aim of the Tŷ Gwynedd scheme is to create affordable, adaptable, sustainable, and energy-efficient homes for local people, especially those who find it difficult to buy or rent a home but may not qualify for social housing. 

The development is part of the Council's Housing Action Plan to address the housing shortage in the county and ensure that Gwynedd residents have access to high quality and affordable housing in their own communities. The plan includes providing over 1000 affordable homes by 2027, including developing 90 new houses through the Tŷ Gwynedd scheme. 

Councillor Craig ab Iago, Cyngor Gwynedd’s Housing and Property Cabinet Member, said: 

"It’s fantastic for me as a Cabinet Member to see all our thorough preparations come to fruition. The demolition of the old library is an important milestone in the work of developing our first houses for over 30 years in Gwynedd. 

"As the demand for housing continues to grow, there is a huge shortage of homes for those who aren’t eligible for social housing but who also find it difficult to afford a house on the open market. 

"I'm looking forward to seeing these brand-new houses in the near future being transformed into lifelong homes for local families and individuals." 

Once they are available, it will be possible to apply for these houses through Tai Teg, which administers affordable housing schemes for Cyngor Gwynedd. The Council encourages anyone interested in applying to register with Tai Teg as soon as possible. 

To see the eligibility criteria and to register interest, all the information is available on the Tai Teg website: Tai Teg | Hafan 

Notes to editors 

More information about the Tŷ Gwynedd scheme: Tŷ Gwynedd Project (llyw.cymru) 

Timelapse video of the site being cleared: Fideo o amser yn mynd heibio - Tŷ Gwynedd Llanberis / Timelapse video - Tŷ Gwynedd Llanberis (youtube.com)