The pupils from year 6 filled the Time Capsule to bursting point with items that would paint a clear picture of the world in 2010. Some of these included news papers, mobile phones, money, light bulbs, and even Tesco vouchers! The Time Capsule will be sealed, placed in the grounds of this new housing development and re-opened in 2050.

The development will provide new affordable homes for people over 60. The project, supported by £4.6 million from the Welsh Assembly Government is a partnership between United Welsh Housing Association and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council. When complete the development will consist of 40 one and two bedroom apartments for people over 55 years of age and 4 two bedroom apartments for people over 40 with a physical disability

Wayne Emery, Head of Living + at United Welsh said:
 “This will be a wonderful development providing much needed affordable housing for older people in Nantyglo and the wider Blaenau Gwent area and is the result of a successful partnership between United Welsh, Blaenau Gwent Council and the Welsh Assembly Government. Many of the facilities will be available for use by 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”.

Due to open in September 2011, the facility 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, activity rooms, enclosed courtyard gardens, potting shed, conservatory, laundry, IT suite and health & beauty suite.

Cllr Des Hillman, Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, said:

“This is a major investment in top quality housing – coming to Blaenau Gwent because of our Independent Living in the 21st Century strategy.            

“Well done to United Welsh for leading the way, thanks to the Welsh Assembly Government for financial backing and congratulations to the children from Coed-y-Garn Community Primary School for their exciting and unusual time capsule project.”

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

Construction work will be carried out by Cowlin with the first residents moving into the new homes in September 2011.

David Harris, Divisional Managing Director for Cowlin Construction, commented: “Cowlin is delighted to be involved in this project which will provide a great new facility and bring new opportunities to the area.  This occasion not only marked the start of the construction, but has also given the schoolchildren a chance to think more about their environment.  This was a super event and it was clear that the children had become engaged with the project, we are looking forward to working with the school throughout the construction.”

June 2010

Children from Coed-y-Garn primary school fill up the Time Capsule with help from Jocelyn Davies AM