Demolition of the former Bronllwyn Residential Care Home site in Gelli has resumed, so it can be developed into modern specialist care accommodation for people with learning disabilities in adulthood and older age.
Demolition work has now recommenced following a break on site due to the liquidation of the former demolition contractor, whose previous site activity had completed the strip-out of the existing buildings. All structures will now be demolished, including removal of infrastructure such as foundations – while all demolished materials will be removed from the site.
Upon completion of the demolition phase, the site at Colwyn Road will then be development-ready. Planning permission was secured by the Council in April 2023 to build a new specialist care accommodation that includes 13 en-suite bedrooms and a respite room. These will be built across a lower ground floor, a ground floor, and a first floor. A courtyard will be positioned to the west of the building, while the existing car park and site access point will be retained.
The development will include modern facilities including a laundry facility, staff restroom, three day rooms, three sensory rooms, a commercial kitchen, toilet areas, nurse station, hairdresser, assisted bathroom and a training room.
The retender process for the main development contract has also recently concluded. The successful contractor is currently expected to commence the construction phase on site in late spring or early summer 2024. Further details will be communicated to residents once the arrangements are finalised.
Councillor Gareth Caple, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “It’s very positive news that the demolition of the former Bronllwyn Residential Care Home buildings has now resumed on site. Following the liquidation of the former contractor, officers have worked hard behind the scenes to resume the overall project as quickly as possible.
“Cabinet Members have previously agreed a significant £4.9m funding package for this exciting project in Gelli, which aims to readdress a shortfall of specialist residential care home accommodation in the local area. The project is included in a wider capital programme across the County Borough, that will deliver upon our commitment to modernise local residential care facilities.
“This programme is separate to a £60m investment agreed by Cabinet last year, showing our commitment to retain five Council-run care homes and build state-of-the-art accommodation in Treorchy, Ferndale and Mountain Ash – all providing additional extra care beds. A modern accommodation for people with learning disabilities in adulthood will also be built in Church Village.
“With the demolition phase now resuming for the scheme in Gelli, the Council has also been progressing the retender process to appoint a new contractor for the main construction phase – and good progress has recently been made with this. Currently, the overall project is progressing well towards the main development starting on site by the beginning of the summer this year.”
