Elderwood Parc breaking-ground ceremony

The £55 million residential project funded by Melin Homes will see the area benefit from 269 new homes. The scheme will bring 68 affordable homes to the area, as well as 201 open market properties, with the show home opening in early 2023.

Pictured above, from left to right – Peter Davies Deputy Chief Executive of Monmouthshire Council, Monmouthshire Council Leader Mary Ann Brocklesby, Paula Kennedy – Melin Homes Chief Executive, James Duffett, Regional Managing Director at Lovell.

The site will also see the development of a care home that will support 32 people living with dementia. Monmouthshire County Council also obtained funding through Welsh Government’s Integrated Care Fund (ICF) via Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

Paula continued: ”It has been fantastic to visit the site today, and to see first-hand how by working in partnership we can benefit communities and the local economy.

“Melin have already worked extensively with local schools and look forward to seeing how these partnerships flourish over the next few years. Through further partnership working we look forward to sharing more good news stories of local employment and apprenticeships. Great things happen when you work in partnership”

Working with the local community

Working with schools

We are proud of our school’s programme, FACE who offer unique workshops and support for primary and secondary schools; linking with the curriculum and tailored to bring out the best in young people. We have already worked with a number of schools in the local area:

With Caldicot School we have:

• Organised several motivational speakers to inspire the pupils.
• Organised multiple talks about volunteering.
• Supported the Lego Engineering team with equipment, and practical skills.
• Provided staff with games to help promote relaxation.

Coming up at Caldicot School:

• Year 7 fun day
• Work experience opportunities
• Dragons’ Den event – teaching the students about project planning and presenting skills.

Castle Park

• We organised talks with motivational speakers; local Welsh boxer – Kieran Gethin and an inspirational story with Jamie McAnsh.
• We arranged free fruit for staff.
• Staff member Aaron spoke to pupils about when he served in the army.
• Dragons’ Den event – teaching the students about project planning and presenting skills.

Magor Primary School

• Wellbeing events for teachers.
• Tea/Coffee donated to the school.
• Dragon Workshop - teaching the students about project planning and presenting skills.
• Dance workshops for Years 3, 4, and 5.

Undy Primary School

• Donations of craft materials

We have also reached out to Dewstow and Durand Primary schools and hope to work with them in the new school year in September.

Sponsorship of a local football team

Candleston Homes and Lovell have sponsored Portskewett & Sudbrook Junior Football Club. Coach, Craig Parker reached out to the Elderwood Parc Project Team who agreed to sponsor the under 6s, team of boys of girl who required training tops.

We all agreed this was a great way to kick-start our ‘giving-back’ to the local community.

Supporting communities

• We donated £200 to residential street, St Stephens to help fund garden items and a musical thank you afternoon.

• We provided a bus and driver to support Caldicot Jobs Fair with our Employment Team.

• We donated £250 to Caldicot Comprehensive and £250 to Portskewett & Sudbury FC from our Jump2 Fund.

• We donated £150 to Caldicot Town Team to help support events throughout the year.

Employment opportunities

Melin Homes Employment Team and partners will work with Lovell to offer employment and apprenticeship opportunities over the course of the development.

Melin’s Employment Team recently worked with Lovell in helping resident Hafizullah gain sustainable employment at the development. Hafizullah was supported in gaining his Constriction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card (scoring an impressive 49/50!) and passed his traffic marshaller course. Finally, our team provided some help with Hafizullah’s CV and did some interview coaching with him before he applied for a job as a gatesperson with construction firm Lovell. He was successful in his interview and now works full time at Elderwood Parc.