Construction of Pontypridd's new Extra Care facility now complete
Built on the former Pontypridd Magistrates’ Court site in Graig, the state-of-the-art building becomes Rhondda Cynon Taf’s third Extra Care facility, alongside Ty Heulog in Talbot Green and Maesyffynnon in Aberaman. Extra Care helps older people live as active and independent lives as possible, with 24/7 on-site support available for residents’ assessed needs.
A £50m investment is currently being made to deliver 300 Extra Care beds in Rhondda Cynon Taf – including Maesyffynnon, Cwrt yr Orsaf, and future schemes in Porth (on the Dan-y-Mynydd Residential Care Home site), Mountain Ash and Treorchy. These are being delivered jointly by the Council and Linc. The Cwrt yr Orsaf development has benefitted from a significant funding contribution from Welsh Government’s Integrated Care Fund.
Following completion of the construction phase, Cwrt yr Orsaf was handed over to the Council by contractor Jehu Project Services Ltd on Friday, October 15. The Council and Linc are now working to facilitate the first residents moving into the new facility, anticipated to commence shortly.
The new development has 60 apartments (56 one-bed and 4 two-beds) and also includes dining and lounge areas, a communal kitchen, a hair salon, a 31-space car park, communal landscaped gardens and a day care unit. Additional external work has seen the existing site access widened.
Councillor Geraint Hopkins, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Adult Services, said: “I’m delighted that the excellent Cwrt yr Orsaf Extra Care facility in Graig is now built and almost ready to welcome its first residents. Like the existing facilities in Talbot Green and Aberaman, the development is modern, spacious, and fully-equipped, enabling targeted care to be provided for older people’s assessed needs.
“Cwrt yr Orsaf is contributing 60 apartments towards our commitment to provide 300 Extra Care places across Rhondda Cynon Taf through five new developments. The first of those saw Maesyffynnon open in 2020, while the third, in Porth, has made important progress in recent months. Work has started to demolish the former Dan-y-Mynydd Residential Care Home buildings, and Linc Cymru has consulted the community on its plans to utilise that site for an Extra Care facility – to inform its future planning submission.
“This investment in Extra Care, alongside our partner Linc, is at the heart of the Council’s commitment to modernise residential care provision and increase options for older people. Extra Care provides 24/7 support in first class facilities, forming communities within each building – while the support offered also encourages residents to integrate within the wider community.
“With the building now handed over from the contractor, the Council and Linc are working together to enable the first residents to move into Cwrt yr Orsaf very soon. I’m looking forward to visiting the facility in the weeks ahead, in order to see the impressive development and to meet its first residents.”
Louise Attwood, Executive Director Property at Linc, added: “The completion of this state-of-the-art scheme is a significant achievement as we work alongside Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council to deliver 300 new extra care places in the County.
“The funding received from Welsh Government’s Integrated Care Fund has enabled us to develop a fit-for-purpose extra care scheme, designed to support independent living while meeting the changing needs of residents.
“Cwrt yr Orsaf’s central location and high end interiors combine to make these homes a unique and beautiful environment in which to live. We look forward to welcoming our new residents and hope they will enjoy creating a sociable and vibrant community together.”
Climate Change Minister Julie James said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved in the successful completion of this project that will make a difference to the lives of so many people.
“Development of Extra Care housing is a key alternative model of community based accommodation that enhances the health, wellbeing and independence of older people and avoids over reliance on residential care settings.
“Creating this sustainable facility also adds a new option to the housing market for older people and this, in turn, promotes independence and choice which puts people in the centre.”