Powys County Council has revealed who will be building 18 houses on the site of the former Red Dragon pub and youth centre in Newtown.

Colwyn Bay-based RLD Construction (R L Davies & Son Ltd) has been awarded the contract to build a £3.5 million council housing development in Maesyrhandir.

Work to build 18 low-carbon homes including a bungalow and a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom houses is due to begin in the new year. The homes will be available to rent at an affordable rent, Powys County Council said.

The Welsh Government provided a grant in the region of £2m through its Innovative Housing Programme towards this development.

Cllr Iain McIntosh, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Housing, said: “I’m delighted that RLD Construction have been appointed as the lead contractors for this exciting and innovative social housing development project in Newtown.

County Times:

“We successfully awarded this contract to RLD Construction following a rigorous tendering exercise that met the public sector procurement regulations.

“This development, which will meet the needs of the local community, is one of the many housing schemes at various stages of development across the county."

Mel Pitts, of RLD Construction, said: “As a Welsh firm, we are very proud to continue with our work through Wales and we are delighted to be appointed as the principle contractor for this scheme and deliver much needed affordable council homes in Powys.

“Already having experience of working in Powys, we are very much committed to working and engaging with the local contractors and communities through this contract.”

Powys County Council said the North Wales-based company will be required to use a substantial proportion of local sub-contractors and suppliers, who will be paid swiftly through a project bank account, as well as deliver additional community benefits during the scheme’s construction.

Meet the Buyer events will be arranged shortly so that local contractors and suppliers have the opportunity to meet RDL Construction as part of the scheme.