Local contractor appointed to build on Gungrog school site

A large local employer has been appointed to build 34 houses in new council estates to be constructed in Welshpool and Llannrhaeadr.

SJ Roberts Construction Ltd has been appointed by Powys County Council to deliver 34 highly insulated and eco‑friendly homes across the two sites, supporting the council’s work to tackle the housing shortage across the county.

Part funded by the Welsh Government, the new homes will be owned and managed by the council and allocated through Homes in Powys – the one‑stop shop for all social housing in the county.

In Welshpool, the scheme will see 16 bungalows (pictured) built on the site of the former Gungrog Church within Wales Nursery and Infant School. The former school building has been demolished to make way for the new development, designed to meet local housing needs while supporting sustainable living.

In Llanrhaeadr‑ym‑Mochnant, 18 homes will be built on land to the west of Maes yr Esgob. The development will include a mix of one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom houses and bungalows, as well as one‑bedroom flats, helping to provide a range of affordable housing options for the community.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: “I’m delighted that a main contractor has been appointed to deliver these two important council housing developments in Welshpool and Llanrhaeadr‑ym‑Mochnant.

“Tackling the housing emergency in Powys is one of the council’s top priorities, and building high‑quality, highly insulated and eco‑friendly council homes is central to that work. These developments represent a major investment by the council and will help provide secure, affordable homes for people who need them most.

“This is also about building a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys – supporting our communities, improving quality of life, and creating opportunities for jobs and skills through local investment.”

Speaking on behalf of SJ Roberts Construction, Mike Sambrook, Managing Director, said:

“We take great pride in delivering homes that directly benefit the communities in which they’re built. Having the opportunity to remain in the local area, in a quality, affordable and highly sustainable home is important to so many local residents and we’re looking forward to seeing these developments flourish.”