Work is continuing at pace on a new specialist care accommodation development in Gelli that will support adults and older people with learning disabilities.
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council has provided an update on the major project at the former Bronllwyn Residential Care Home site on Colwyn Road, where significant progress has been made over recent months.
The development, being delivered by Langstone Construction Group, forms part of the council’s ongoing investment in modernising care accommodation across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Once completed later this year, the purpose-built facility will provide 14 en-suite bedrooms with respite provision across three levels, alongside specialist amenities designed to support people with learning disabilities.
The modern development will include assisted bathrooms, a training room and landscaped outdoor spaces including a courtyard area. Existing parking and the site’s main access point are also being retained.
The council said strong progress has been made throughout the winter, particularly with the construction of the building’s main structure. Much of the lower levels are now complete, with the first floor installed and concrete floor planks now in place ready for the final level to be constructed.
Mechanical and electrical cabling work has also started ahead of the next major construction phase.
Externally, rainwater gardens and storm water control chambers have been installed as part of a Sustainable Drainage Scheme aimed at reducing the risk of surface water flooding during periods of heavy rainfall.
Over the coming months, contractors will focus on progressing the roof structure, external brickwork, windows and doors, as well as moving further into internal works and landscaping.
The overall project is expected to be completed in autumn 2026.
Councillor Gareth Caple, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Care, said:
“This impressive development in Gelli is revitalising an unused site in the heart of the community, to create a modern accommodation for people with learning disabilities to receive the care they need. We can really see the progress being made in the latest images from the work site, and our contractor will look to make further progress through the spring and summer, enabling the development to open this year.
“The Council remains absolutely committed to investing in modern care accommodation, responding to reported changes in their needs and expectations – while we are also ensuring demands in specific communities are met. This specialist scheme in Gelli will create 14 new beds, and is being built alongside a new 60-bed extra care scheme in Porth that nears completion. We already have three thriving extra care developments in Talbot Green, Aberaman and Graig, which continue to be very popular with residents and communities.
“In addition, work has recently commenced on site in Mountain Ash, to create a development that mixes extra care, dementia care and ‘Later Living’ on a single site – while the Council has previously made commitments on future schemes in Ferndale and Church Village. Officers continue to design and develop the projects and will keep the public fully-informed with their progress.
“It’s fantastic to see the roofing and brickwork progress on site in Gelli, as the building really begins to take shape, week by week. Our dedicated contractor Langstone Construction Group continues to work hard on site each day, sharing our commitment to delivering this project as quickly as possible for the community. I’m looking forward to seeing the site again in person very soon.”
