Work has now begun on site to deliver a new 60-bed extra care scheme in Porth – as the Council and Linc Cymru’s (Linc) pre-commencement contractor progresses preliminary work ahead of the main construction phase.
The new scheme will transform the former Dan y Mynydd Care Home site into a state-of-the-art four-storey development with 60 extra care apartments and amenities – including a dining area, hair salon, activity room, day care centre and offices. Externally, 33 car park spaces will be provided along with cycle and buggy stores, while the site’s existing access will be slightly reconfigured.
The former care home buildings had been unused for some time, and with Cabinet’s support the site was earmarked to house one of five new extra care schemes being built across Rhondda Cynon Taf by the Council and Linc – to modernise accommodation and increase local accommodation with care options for older people.
Extra care housing delivers modern accommodation with 24-hour support for older people’s assessed needs, allowing them to live as independently as possible.
Demolition of the former care home building was completed in late 2021, and Linc carried out a community consultation to allow the public to have their say before a planning application for the main development was submitted. Linc subsequently received planning permission during December 2021.
A contractor is currently carrying out enabling works on site, in preparation for the main programme of work – which is anticipated to begin in the coming weeks. The programme is being finalised, and further details about the site activity for the main scheme will be communicated to residents in due course.
Councillor Gareth Caple, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “The Porth extra care housing development is a very exciting project which looks to build upon the success of Maesyffynnon and Cwrt yr Orsaf – the first two of our brand new extra care housing schemes built in Aberaman and Pontypridd recently. It has been fantastic to see residents settle into their new homes, and take advantage of the opportunities extra care brings.
“Extra care housing delivers modern accommodation that meets the changing expectations of the growing older population – allowing residents to live as independently as possible in their own homes, with around-the-clock support for their assessed needs. Each scheme promotes a sense of community within the building, taking advantage of the superb amenities on site, while also promoting opportunities for meaningful interaction within the wider community.
“With the main construction phase shortly getting underway in Porth, the Council continues to deliver upon its commitment to provide 300 extra care beds across the County Borough in a £50m investment – being delivered in partnership with Linc. This is a part of the Council’s wider investment to modernise its accommodation offer for older people in the County Borough.
“The local community may have noticed contractor activity which has recently got underway on site – this work is being undertaken to prepare the area for the main construction phase which will begin in the near future.”
Richard Hallett, Development Manager at Linc, said: “We’re delighted with how work at the former Dan y Mynydd care home site has progressed in recent weeks, and we are looking forward to commencing with the main construction work as soon as ground preparation is complete. A construction programme has been drafted and further details will be issued shortly.
“Our partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council shows their commitment to providing homes that meet the needs of local people. The 60 high-quality extra care apartments will enable residents to live independently, while knowing that help is on hand if they need it.”
