60 years of building affordable homes for the people of Wales

This year marks six decades of building affordable homes for our residents across Wales and we couldn’t be prouder. 

Since we were founded in Cardiff with a mission to develop 49 low-cost flats at Hillside Court, Penylan, Cardiff, we’ve grown to become one of the largest providers of affordable housing in Wales. 

Today we manage 12,400 properties creating homes and communities for more than 24,000 people across 13 Welsh counties.  

Our first scheme opened in Penylan, Cardiff in 1965

We’ve grown as an organisation and employ more than 640 staff across the Wales & West Housing Group, which includes Cambria Maintenance Services. We were the first Welsh housing association to introduce the ‘Real Living Wage’ and the first organisation in Wales to receive the Investors in People (IiP) platinum standard, which we’ve retained to the present day. 

To mark our 60th anniversary we are planning a series of events and activities to bring residents and staff together to celebrate.

Our 60th anniversary events

• Resident parties where we’re offering our residents the opportunity to organise their own 60th birthday party with grants of up to £250 per group to help fund events to bring people together. 

• A 60 for 60 fundraising challenge, where we’ll invite staff to think of their own challenge based around the number 60 and raise money for our staff charities, Cymru versus Arthritis, Motor Neurone Disease, Cerebral Palsy Cymru and Parkinson’s UK Cymru. Whether it’s walking 60km, doing 60 press ups or baking 60 Welsh cakes, we’re looking forward to seeing some unique and inventive challenges to raise lots of cash.    

• Entering the Cardiff Half Marathon as a business with a team of over 30 runners covering the 13.1-mile course to again raise money for our staff charities. 

Wales & West Housing’s Group Chief Executive, Anne Hinchey, said: “This is an exciting year for us. 

“From our humble beginnings, we have strived to provide affordable housing for communities across Wales. 

“Since we first started, we’ve achieved so much and followed our vision to make a difference to the lives, homes and communities for so many people.”
Anne Hinchey, Wales & West Housing’s Group Chief Executive

To mark our anniversary year, we have planned a number of events and parties to bring our staff, residents and communities together to share our excitement. I hope as many people as possible will join the celebrations as we look forward to the next 60 years.” 

What happened in 1965?

• In Cardiff, the Beatles were preparing to play their last British concerts at Cardiff’s Capitol Theatre. 

• Betty Campbell was appointed the first black female headteacher at Mount Stuart Primary school, Butetown, Cardiff. 

• The first drive-on car ferry service between Fishguard, Wales, and Rosslare Harbour, Ireland, officially opened. 

• The State funeral of Sir Winston Churchill took place in London. 

• The first 70 mile per hour speed limit was trialed on unrestricted roads and motorways in the UK, which was later adopted nationwide. 

• Other organisations founded were The Landmark Trust and Confederation of British Industry.