Much needed new homes on repurposed school playing field in Swansea

How we helped

Supporting 3 previous residential schemes in Swansea and the Vale of Glamorgan, we were pleased to provide funding to Westacres Home Ltd. to deliver their latest residential development, The Willows, on part of the former playing fields of Olchfa School in the Sketty suburb of Swansea. 

The 101 unit project will provide diverse housing options for the community.  A mixture of 66 open market houses and 35 affordable homes.   The open market houses will deliver a variety of 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes aiming to attract a wide range of buyers.  Affordable housing will be managed for affordable sale and rent by Pobl Housing Association. As part of the development plans, new play areas and a 3G sports field will be provided to enhance the school’s sports facilities. 

Ian Morgan, Managing Director of Westacres, said “We are delighted to continue our ongoing and successful partnership with Principality Building Society in providing the funding facility on our fourth and for our largest development to date with them. 

The Willows, is our latest prestigious development in the heart of Sketty, Swansea and will see the Westacres portfolio grow with the introduction of several new bespoke house designs.

The Senior Executive team are always at the end of the phone and are always on hand to offer any advice or guidance if needed. It really is a joy to work with them and we look forward to many more successful developments together”.

"Having a close relationship with a funder on any development is absolutely key to its success, this is why we have repeatedly chosen to work with the Principality Building Society, as we do feel that there is a genuine and personal relationship that has been built over years of us working together"

More about this project

This development perfectly aligns with Principality’s aim to support thriving communities and help people have a home that meets their needs by offering affordable housing options, upgrading public amenities, and fostering a sense of community.  
Committed to sustainability, all properties will achieve an EPC B rating or higher. Externally, features of ecological significance including mature trees, tree lines, semi-improved grassland and tall ruderal habitat are to be retained. The development also incorporates hedgehog “highways”. 

"This is the fourth development that the Society has funded for Westacres Homes Limited, solidifying a strong relationship built on shared values, particularly around supporting our local communities. Clients appreciate our partnership approach, and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future"

Richard Wales, Commercial Lending Director at Principality Commercial

The first properties went on sale in April 2024 with a number of sales already achieved.