Linc Cymru providing new care schemes for Bridgend
LINC Cymru Housing Association (Linc) has announced it will be developing two new extra care and residential care schemes in Bridgend.
The not-for-profit organisation, which specialises in the affordable housing, social care and health sectors in Wales, is working in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council and the Welsh Government to create the new 86,500sq ft sites.
Situated at the former Archbishop McGrath Comprehensive site in Ynysawdre and the former lower Maesteg Comprehensive site, the schemes will be made up of 106 units and will comprise a mixture of general-needs housing and housing for people aged 55 and over.
Construction work is due to commence this month and is set to be completed by September 2018.
The developments will contribute to the Welsh Government’s agenda to deliver 20,000 affordable homes over the next four years.
With seven extra care schemes across Newport, Cardiff and Blaenau Gwent, and more than 330 apartments currently in management, Linc is the largest provider of this type of service in Wales.
A ground-breaking ceremony was held at the Ynysawdre site and was attended by Huw Irranca-Davies AM, Coun Hailey Townsend, cabinet member for wellbeing and future generations, Mayor Reg Jenkins, Coun Lyn Morgan, Coun Phil White, cabinet member for social services and early help, Bridgend Council leader Huw David and Robert Smith, chief executive of Linc Cymru.
Louise Attwood, development director at Linc, said: “We are extremely pleased to have been selected to work in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council to deliver these schemes.
“We ensure that our buildings and services are built around the needs of the people who use them, anticipating their future need.”
Ms Attwood added: “This new scheme will offer people the opportunity to transition within their environment as their needs change, rather than face the anxieties of moving to alternative accommodation.
“Both sites will have elements of general-needs housing and housing for people aged 55 and over to create a community village to bring different generations together and build a real sense of social inclusion and belonging.”
Caroline O’Flaherty, partner at Hugh James, advised the organisation and prepared the legal documentation for the site acquisition, development and leasing.