WORK is set to begin later this month on improvements to a key road link into the former Llanwern steelworks redevelopment site.

The improvements involve converting the former steelworks access road into a public-standard dual carriageway, which developer St Modwen sees as vital to future growth on the site.

“It is a key part of the project, and the contractor is due to start this month,” said Rupert Joseland, St Modwen regional director for the South West and South Wales.

“The Welsh Government is cash-flowing this work and in time we will pay them as the homes developments come forward.

“It will provide greatly enhanced access to the site’s employment zone and Celtic Business Park. It gives it a front door.”

The first of what is proposed to be 4,000 homes on the site, through what is known as the Glan Llyn development, are current being built and were unveiled to the public for the first time late last year. They are being built by house builders Persimmon and Charles Church. Glan Llyn itself will have 301 homes.

Mr Joseland said a number of reservations have been made by potential buyers, and looking forward, he predicted that subject to market conditions, another housing estate could be opened up within 18 months.

“We’re starting to look at that. It is market driven, but we are seeing across the country that, if sites have good services in place, developers are looking to put up homes,” said Mr Joseland.

“It is certainly a challenging environment at the moment, but it is about having the right product.”

St Modwen’s plans for the Llanwern site are likely to take 20 years to realise fully.

The company, which styles itself as the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, posted pre-tax 2011 profits earlier this week of £50.4 million.