The Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council was joined by the First Minister, Carwyn Jones, to cut the sod at the site of a new £14.3million Extra Care Scheme in Ammanford.
The First Minister visited the Gwynfryn site on Thursday, joined by representatives of the council and Family Housing Association who are delivering the scheme in partnership.
Contractors TRJ Ltd, appointed by the Association, have moved on to the site to start work on the scheme, which will provide 50 self-contained apartments for older people with a range of needs, with 24-hour care and support on site.
It is the latest development in the council’s capital investment programme to update and improve care provision in Carmarthenshire, and has included funding from Welsh Government and FHA.
In addition, 12 new affordable homes will also be built on the site, just off Dyffryn Road.
The First Minister congratulated the council on its vision, as well as FHA and the contractors for helping make it happen.
The First Minister said: “I’m pleased to see the launch of this important project, for which we have provided more than £5.3million funding. This centre will enable people to live in a secure, supportive environment with as much independence as possible.”
Cllr Madge added: “The partnership working we have here is fantastic – it’s a win, win all round. This will give local people the best that money can buy.
“This is the second Extra Care Scheme under construction in Carmarthenshire at present, and we are looking forward to moving forward with our plans for provision in the Llanelli area shortly.”
Michael Bourke, a member of Family Housing Association’s Management Board, added: “This is another illustration of the value of working in partnership to deliver on the council’s strategy for new homes specifically to meet the needs of the people of Carmarthenshire. This is the Association’s fifth extra care scheme and one of two currently on site in the county. We also have another nearing completion in Pembrokeshire. We are delighted to be able to offer this tried and tested model of housing for over 55s which will include apartments plus a café/restaurant, communal area, meeting room, a craft and hobby room, shop, hairdresser and staff facilities.”
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