It would be built on the site of a major former factory.
It was once a thriving factory that employed thousands and manufactured household appliances which became fixtures in homes throughout Britain — and it is now set to be transformed.
Established in 1948, the Hoover plant in Merthyr Tydfil reached its zenith in the 1970s when it employed more than 5,000 workers, churning out washing machines and domestic appliances. In numerous respects, it was far more than just a factory. It served as a community focal point.
Beyond providing jobs, it also delivered sporting amenities and social gatherings to the town. However, since Hoover vacated the premises in 2009, marking the conclusion of an era for countless people, the inevitable question has been what would follow?
That answer has now arrived as proposals have recently received approval for what’s being described as a “new neighbourhood” comprising up to 441 new homes.
The development extends beyond just residential properties. It will also incorporate a new community hub featuring shops alongside a metro station and transport hub, reports WalesOnline..
Planning permission was granted at the same meeting where ambitious proposals for what will become the UK’s longest indoor ski slope nearby also received approval. This substantial new resort, which encompasses a water park and hotel, together with the Hoover site redevelopment, represent two instances of significant investment being channelled into Merthyr Tydfil which could deliver enduring benefits.
The ambitious Hoover site redevelopment will feature financial and professional services alongside food and drink establishments, a community heat hub, and an extensive network of open spaces incorporating parkland, active travel routes, recreational areas and sustainable drainage systems.
The comprehensive scheme also includes demolition work, ground reclamation and remediation efforts, plus significant highway network upgrades. Whilst one local councillor has hailed it as a “game changer” of a development, residents living nearby have shared mixed views on the transformation.
Pentrebach local Allan Breese didn’t mince his words about the current state of affairs, saying: “It’s just been dead for years. It’s an eyesore.” He added: “It’s been like that ever since they stopped manufacturing.”
On the proposed changes, he was upbeat, commenting: “Let them get on with it. It’s got to be better than what is there at the moment.” He emphasised: “It is not like it is green rolling fields with daffodils. It is an eyesore. It is derelict.”
Nearby residents Denise and Andrew Phillips also weighed in, with Andrew questioning: “I can’t see what else you could use it for.” He continued: “You couldn’t leave it derelict. Something’s got to go on there. You couldn’t turn it into an industrial estate.”
Andrew believes the development, combined with other improvements across Merthyr Tydfil, is “making it a more up and coming area.” However, Denise raised concerns about congestion, warning that traffic “will be a bit of a nightmare” with vehicles exiting the A470 and school run chaos, particularly during peak hours.
She also expressed hope they wouldn’t relocate the station further away, as its current position was more convenient for people living in Pentrebach and Abercanaid. However, she remarked: “It’s a lovely place to live. It is a nice little community.”
Another local, Rob Williams, stated: “I’ve got no issue with it.” He acknowledged potential disruption during demolition and construction, along with worries about school capacity and healthcare provision, but noted: “It’s been an eyesore for years.”
He described it as a “positive with some minor reservations” and pointed out that Merthyr was experiencing a “massive boost to the economy” through schemes like this and the new ski slope at Rhydycar West.
Meanwhile, fellow Pentrebach resident Richard Wade voiced environmental concerns, saying: “I’m worried about the traffic”, before warning: “A lot of cars are going to come around here.”
He predicted the main route was “going to be monopolised by diggers. We will have to use the backroads”. He continued: “I don’t see it as a huge positive.”
Whilst accepting something needed developing, he argued they required sports facilities instead, proposing a new 4G pitch and questioning: “Why don’t they give something back to the community?”.
He concluded: “I see some positives but I also see a lot of negatives.” During the planning session held earlier this month, Councillor Andrew Barry highlighted how today’s working world has embraced flexibility, asking: “what better place than a house at the Hoover site?”.
Pointing to the excellent transport connections, proximity to the Brecon Beacons, Bike Park Wales and Brecon Mountain Railway, he questioned: “What’s not to like?”.
He described the prospect as a potential “game-changer of a development” that required swift action, emphasising how it could help elevate Merthyr from its current deprivation.
Councillor Anna Williams-Price acknowledged the Hoover proposal represented major change, bringing both possibilities and difficulties. Given the site’s historical significance, she noted it inevitably sparked concerns about losing sports facilities and heritage features, alongside infrastructure considerations.
She stressed the importance of finding the right equilibrium between honouring the past and welcoming advancement. Meanwhile, Councillor Clive Jones described this as yet another “really significant” proposal, noting unanimous council backing for fresh housing development. He pointed out the level terrain, convenient access to the A470 and town centre, comparing it to “like a new village being built there”.
