A Sod Cutting Ceremony was held on Thursday 12th August, 2010 to mark the beginning of the building works of the new Extra Care Housing facility at Gellidawel Estate, Penyard, Merthyr Tydfil; with a completion date scheduled for late summer 2011.
The £8million state of the art development for older people has resulted from a joint initiative developed by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, in partnership with Hafod Care Association and the Welsh Assembly Government.
Councillor Gareth Jones Cabinet Portfolio Member for Social Services and Social Regeneration Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council said:
“I am delighted to be part of the Sod Cutting Ceremony and to see that the construction of the new state of the art Extra Care Housing development is now underway. The new facility will benefit from the latest innovations in design and technology, providing a new model of care and support which will promote independence and provide a greater choice for the older and more vulnerable people of this County Borough.”
Robert Wathen, Managing Director at Hafod Care said:
“Hafod Care are delighted that building works have commenced on what will be a unique and much needed resource for the elderly population of Merthyr Tydfil. We look forward to working with our partners within the Local Authority to deliver a valuable service to the community.”
A unique residential community, the development will comprise of a total of 60 self contained flats. It will be the first of its kind in the County Borough to provide a new model of housing for older people. Tenants will have individualised care and support plans designed to sustain them behind their own front door and lessen the need to move to a more institutionalised form of care.
The communal facilities available will include a restaurant, laundry, sensory garden and IT suite. The Extra Care facility will also include space that can be utilised as a day centre for older people which can be accessed by the wider local community.
Once complete, the scheme will also provide permanent employment opportunities for managerial, administrative, technical, care and support staff.
The flats themselves will be designed to a high specification, insulated and constructed to a standard of sustainability that will achieve a high rating under the well known BREEAM Environmental Model.
The project employs a new model of care and support, which will promote independence and provide a greater choice for the older and more vulnerable people of Merthyr Tydfil. The Council are committed to this initiative and we anticipate that it will serve as an exemplar of best practice to other local authorities across Wales.
For further information, please contact Jill Bow, Service Improvement Manager, on (01685) 727416.
