Work starts on multi-million pound housing project
 

The Deputy Minister for Housing, Jocelyn Davies AM helped construction workers with the groundbreaking of an £8 million Extra Care facility in Caerphilly.

The development in Pen Rhos will provide new affordable homes for people over 60. The project, supported by £5.4 million from the Welsh Assembly Government in partnership with United Welsh Housing Association and Caerphilly Borough Council will consist of 49 one and two bedroom apartments.

The development, due to open in the summer of 2010, will have a wide range of design features that allow for a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors. Facilities will include a restaurant, coffee shop, small goods shop, laundry, IT suite and health & beauty suite.

Ms Davies said:

“I am delighted this scheme will enable residents to live independently while having the comfort of knowing that support is on hand if they need it.

“These homes will put control of people’s lives with them where it belongs; the Assembly Government welcomes all developments which allow older people to avoid dependence on residential or long term care.”

Ms Davies explained that such developments tie in with the Assembly Government’s aims in the Strategy for Older People to enhance health, emotional well being, dignity and respect for older people.

Ms Davies added, “I have recently agreed to the start of work to develop a National Older People’s Housing Strategy. This will address the whole range of housing issues affecting older people including changing demographics and the need to strengthen the connections between housing, health and social care.  This work is due to be completed this summer and it will be used to inform our future policies.”

Extra Care developments are not residential care homes. The emphasis is on independence with all residents living independently in secure, well maintained, self contained accommodation with support care available 24 / 7.

Peter Laing, Chair of United Welsh Housing Association said:
 

“This will be a wonderful development providing much needed affordable housing for older people. Many of the facilities will be available to families, the local community and for local health care professionals to deliver outreach services. Care and support will be tailored to individual needs to ensure residents maintain maximum independence and integration within the local and wider communities. It is a significant housing development and I must congratulate all those people who have contributed to its design”.

Cllr Lyn Ackerman, CCBC cabinet member for the environment and housing, said, "The council is delighted to be involved in this prestigious new development and it's great to see that construction work has started at the site. We are committed to providing top quality care facilities for older people in the county borough and this flagship scheme will offer independence and peace of mind for its residents." 

Construction work will be carried out by LeadBitter Group with the first residents moving into the new homes in July 2010.      

View more details of the scheme

14th January 2009