Summer start for Penarth Extra Care Scheme
Work on Wales & West Housing’s new extra care scheme for older people in Penarth is expected to start this summer.
We are working in partnership with Vale of Glamorgan Council to deliver the £20 million project on a 3.6-acre site near Myrtle Close, Penarth.
The scheme will feature 70 affordable self-contained apartments, with tailored on-site care and support, for people who want to live independently in their own homes within a caring, supportive community.
WWH have recently signed a long-term lease on the land from the Council, paving the way for the next stage of the development.
We have now appointed Welsh contractor JG Hale Group who have commenced enabling works at site with the main construction works starting in June. Completion is due in 2026.
Built over three storeys, the energy efficient apartments are designed with high levels of insulation that will help keep energy bills affordable for residents. All the apartments will have their own balconies and access to a central courtyard dementia-friendly garden for residents.
The scheme also includes an on-site restaurant and communal lounges and a laundry.
The building will be fitted with solar panels to generate power for the communal areas and reduce its carbon footprint.
It is being built alongside Oak Court, our existing older persons’ housing scheme, and Tŷ Dewi Sant, a dementia-friendly care home operated by the Council. It will be our first extra care scheme in South Wales and our sixth across Wales with others in Aberystwyth, Holywell, Prestatyn, Mold and Newtown.
Wales & West Housing’s Regional Development Manager, Jon Harvey, said: “This is an exciting and much needed project for the locality and we are pleased to be working in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council ,Welsh Government and JG Hale Group to bring this extra care scheme to Penarth. With an ageing population profile there is substantial demand in the area for affordable high quality, modern homes and care services to meet the needs of older people in the area.”
“Our scheme will give residents the freedom to live independently in their own flat but with the peace of mind of knowing they are living in safe surroundings with a 24-hour emergency response service.”
Wales & West Housing’s Regional Development Manager, Jon Harvey
Part funded by the Housing with Care Fund and a Social Housing Grant from Welsh Government, Penarth Extra Care scheme 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 lease arrangements for this land have been completed and work on this exciting new complex can begin.
“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.
Cllr Lis Burnett, Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council
“In time, we hope other elements can be added to the scheme to provide comprehensive support for its community of residents.
“Our recent ‘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.”
On adjoining land, the Council also plans to build an older persons’ independent living development of around 32 affordable homes.