Council helps deliver older persons’ extra care scheme
The Vale of Glamorgan Council and Wales & West Housing (WWH) have begun work on an extra care housing scheme in Penarth for more than 70 people over 55.
The development includes self-contained apartments, with tailored on-site care and support, for people who want to live independently in their own homes within a supportive community.
Part funded by the Housing with Care Fund and a Social Housing Grant from Welsh Government, the £20 million project will see 70 affordable apartments constructed by WWH after the Council transferred land to it on a long-term lease.
That is the latest step in a larger project to integrate new and existing older persons’ homes with social care and health facilities at the location.
Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: “I’m delighted that work on this exciting project has started.
“It will provide much-needed affordable accommodation for older persons in Penarth and is a fine example of what can be achieved through effective partnership working by public sector organisations.
“In time, we hope other elements can be added to the scheme to provide comprehensive support for its community of residents.
"Our Let’s Talk about Life in the Vale Survey revealed that two main priorities for residents are: easily accessible care and healthcare services and being able to buy or rent a good quality home. We also know that these are both concerns for older people.
“It is vital that we listen to such feedback and developments such as this represent a significant step in helping to address those concerns.”
The land on which the development is being built is located on a 3.6-acre site near Myrtle Close.
It is situated alongside Oak Court, an existing WWH older persons’ residential scheme, and Tŷ Dewi Sant, a dementia-friendly care home operated by the Council.
WWH’s Welsh long-term construction partners JG Hale Group started work in the summer and are expected to be on site for two years.
The development will include an on-site restaurant, communal gardens and lounges and a laundry for the residents. It is designed so that all the flats will have balconies looking out over a central garden area.
The building will be highly energy efficient and will result in low heating and hot water costs for residents.
On adjoining land, the Council also plans to build an older persons’ independent living development of around 48 affordable homes.
Wales & West Housing’s Head of Development, Jon Harvey, said: “We’re pleased to be working in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council to meet the housing and care needs of older people in the area.
“This is our fifth extra care scheme in Wales and work is progressing well. The majority of the groundwork has been finished, and the next stage will see the frame going up.
“We’re excited to see the project taking shape and play our part to in making a difference to the lives of many older people who want to live independently but also want the peace of mind of knowing they are in safe surroundings with care if they need it.”