Member Article

Plans submitted for new Porthmadog extra care facility

Housing association Grŵp Cynefin has submitted plans to Gwynedd Council for a new £8.5m extra care housing scheme in Porthmadog.

The development, located on the site of the former Hafod y Gest care home, would provide independent living accommodation to older and vulnerable people in partnership with Gwynedd Council. It will offer mixed tenure accommodation combined with a number of social and recreational facilities, and care and support services.

The extra care housing model is widely recognised as the best way of enabling older people to continue to live independently, but with support close by should they need it.

The extra care scheme features 40 modern, one and two bedroom apartments offering 24-hour care and a community hub including an activity and hobbies rooms, fitness, beauty and therapy rooms, lounge and restaurant. The facilities will also be made available to older people from the wider community in the Porthmadog area.

The proposal includes plans to demolish the existing Hafod y Gest facility and carry out significant groundwork on the site. A flood risk assessment has been made, and the building will be built well above ground level.

The building contract will be awarded to a contractor from Grwp Cynefin’s procurement framework, with a commitment to maximise community benefits through local supply chains, employing local workers and providing training opportunities. Subject to planning permission the intention is to start construction in the Summer 2015.

The Porthmadog extra care housing scheme would be the fourth run by Grŵp Cynefin, with successful similar developments already operating in Bala, Holyhead and Ruthin.

Grŵp Cynefin provides more than 3,700 rented homes and 700 affordable properties to people across North Wales. The organisation was formed earlier this year following the merger of Tai Eryri and Tai Clwyd housing associations.

For more information, visit grwpcynefin.org, or call 0300 111 2122.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .