New HQ for housing association Hedyn in the centre of Newport

It has acquired a former Royal Mail building on Mill Street

Housing association Hedyn has confirmed it is creating a new headquarters for its 750 staff in the centre of Newport. Hedyn, formed last year from the merger of social landlords Melin and Newport City Homes, has acquired the 54,000 sq ft former Royal Mail building on Mill Street.

It will relocate staff from its existing offices in Newport and Pontypool into its new HQ. The site, which consists of two adjoining buildings, will be ready for occupancy by the summer of 2028 with fitout work starting shortly.

The investment is a timely boost for the commercial property market in the centre of Newport and an example of the role that housing associations can play in city and town centre regeneration.

Last year housing association Valleys to Coast revealed plans to transform a prime office building in the centre of Bridgend to serve as its new headquarters alongside new apartments and commercial units.

As part of wider efforts to regenerate the town centre the social landlord acquired Wyndham House, which fronts onto the historic war memorial. It will house its workforce of 300.

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Paula Kennedy, chief executive of Hedyn, said: “At Hedyn, we know how important home is in creating a sense of belonging and safety. We want the same thing for our colleagues which is why I’m so pleased to announce Hedyn’s new home.

“Now we are a larger organisation (following merger), it’s important for us to balance our commitment to being part of the communities we serve, with ensuring our offices are fit for purpose for our workforce.

“The move to the former Royal Mail building will help more of our colleagues work side by side meaning a more seamless service for our residents.

“Though our HQ will remain in Newport – albeit in a new location – we will continue to strengthen our presence in the other local authority areas we serve. We are committed to investing in the local community and are excited to be part of the local regeneration that will come from the increased footfall and the knock-on boost for shops and cafes.”

Hedyn has a portfolio of 15,000 social homes across the local authorities of Blaenau Gwent, Monmouthshire, Newport, Powys, and Torfaen.

It has not disclosed the value of the acquisition of its new HQ building.

Its new HQ was previously owned by property development firm Garrison Barclays Estates, which acquired the empty building from engineering firm Industrial Automation and Control around a decade ago and revamped the exterior of the building to attract new tenants.