Plans for a major overhaul of a cramped and tired-looking estate have been unveiled by Swansea Council. Heol Emrys and Tudno Place, Penlan, were built in the late 1960s and are showing their age.
Four years ago the council said it was looking at all options for the estate, with some demolition a possibility, but stressed it was very early days. The authority consulted the 230 or so residents and commissioned a masterplan to take ideas forward, including the demolition of around half of the Heol Emrys flats. Covid happened, and now residents are being consulted again on a new set of proposals to modernise the estate.
These new proposals involve the demolition of only eight or so Heol Emrys units, the construction of new social rented homes, new kitchens and bathrooms for tenants, external fabric work to make the buildings warmer and more attractive, better pedestrian links to and within the estate, a new park with a play area and wildflowers, courtyard gardens, community orchards and new greenery more generally, and parking improvements. An exhibition has taken place at Penlan Leisure Centre and residents can give feedback on the proposals until November 30.
Cllr Andrea Lewis, joint deputy leader and cabinet member for service transformation, said: "Initial feedback is that they see it as a huge improvement to their community. The latest plans for Heol Emrys and Tudno Place will involve increasing the number of properties in the community so we can provide modern and safe accommodation for families."
She said people would be kept informed throughout the process. Comments from residents, said the council, have included, "It’ll improve the area," and, “Very happy with proposal.” Another resident said they couldn't see any negatives, while another said, “Happy with an upgrade to nicer homes.”
Rubbish was strewn in parts of the estate when the Local Democracy Reporting Service visited on November 8, and some windows were boarded up. Making the area feel safer is one of the aims of the council's regeneration objectives.
One Heol Emrys resident said he couldn't wait to move out. "It's disgusting," said the man, who asked not to be named but referred to himself as Cushty. "I've lived in Brynmelyn, Gendros and Townhill - there's nowhere else like it." He claimed that "all sorts of vile, nasty and nefarious activities" went on at Heol Emrys, although he said police did attend.
"There are a lot of serious issues here," he said. "Obviously the cost of living crisis and poverty are getting worse. It brings you down. Nobody is listening."
A council spokesman urged residents to report anti-social behaviour to police, and said it was listening to and working with residents. He added: "We’re investing heavily in the area and urge residents to play their part as some are already doing. The area has challenges and our redevelopment plans will help address those. We work with the police and a range of other agencies to make the estate a welcoming place to live and visit."
In 2001 the council knocked down 32 flats on Tudno Place. There are green spaces at the estate, playing fields border its northern edge, and several houses and flats look out across them to the hills of Felindre and all the way beyond towards the Black Mountain.
Speaking four years ago, Denise Robson said Heol Emrys was "beautiful" when she moved there in 1975. But she felt her block was the only "decent one" left and that residents with drug problems had allowed the place to go to rack and ruin.
Another resident, Joe O’Rourke, reckoned the area had quietened down a bit. “Over the years Tudno had a bad name – it has mellowed out,” he said. “And there is a good and bad everywhere.”
And Derek George, who along with his wife Cynthia were the first occupiers of one of the estate's houses, said it was a "fabulous" feeling moving in and very much worth the £11.25p weekly rent. They eventually bought their property in 1989 for £15,000. Also speaking in 2018, Mr George said there was still a community feeling in his part of the estate. "We got one or two idiots who moved in, but they moved out," he said. "A new couple have moved in recently, and they are lovely people."
Cllr Erika Kirchner, whose Penderry ward includes Tudno Place and Heol Emrys, said she attended the exhibition on the new proposals and liked what she saw. "I think it's going to look so much better," she said. "It'll be opened up, with much more green (spaces) there. It looks roomier and safer. It's been well thought-out for the environment, and certainly for children and families living there.
"I think it's the best we can do. I just wish it was happening now."
- Email HousingDepartment.Enquiries@swansea.gov.uk or phone the council on 01792 635047 to give feedback by November 30.
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