A centre in Merthyr Tydfil which helps people get jobs will soon be able to house and train young people.
The neighbourhood learning centre in Gurnos is being turned into a training and accommodation centre for the county borough’s young residents.
The centre will continue to offer training but will also be home to five self-contained flats in one of the three blocks.
The council said the aim is to help address a shortage of good quality affordable homes in Wales, while also supporting young people who require accommodation to live independently while looking to participate in training opportunities that lead to employment.
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The council has been awarded £1.12m in capital funding for the project from the Cwm Taf Morgannwg Integrated Care Fund Discretionary Capital Programme, which has identified work with young people and looked after children as a key priority.
There will also be £221,000 match funding from the council itself.
The building has been used as an educational base to help unemployed young people and adults get jobs in a range of vocations for the past 25 years.
Construction has a provisional start date of Monday, February 7 with a planned completion and official launch at the end of August.
Councillor Geraint Thomas, cabinet member for regeneration, housing and public protection, said: “The Neighbourhood Learning Centre is starting to look its age and this will be an innovative and attractive makeover.
“The three blocks and commercial unit will be transformed into modern, suitable and safe accommodation, helping meet a desperate demand for housing.
“The tenants will also have access to onsite training that could lead to higher education by attending their local college, and future employment.”
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