The site has been bought with £727,000 of Welsh Government funding.
Professor Drakeford, together with Hywel Dda University Health Board chief executive Steve Moore and Ceredigion County Council leader Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn unveiled a sign at the site to mark the purchase of the land.
The Cylch Caron development will bring together health, housing and social services on one site and will replace the existing Tregaron Community Hospital, Bryntirion residential home and GP surgery.
Professor Drakeford said:
“I’m pleased to be able to announce this important step in the development of the new Cylch Caron centre. Last year, with Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, I announced £5.8m for the new centre, which will bring important services under one roof, closer to the people who need them.
“By working together and focusing on early intervention, these services will help people to live active, independent lines.”
Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn, leader of Ceredigion County Council and chair of the local service board, said:
“This announcement is a key milestone for the Cylch Caron project and we are one step closer to providing high-quality, efficient and sustainable housing, health and social services that serve the rural community of Tregaron and the surrounding areas.
“The development will be more than a building and will facilitate the delivery of the new integrated community care model developed for Ceredigion, resulting in better access to these services for a larger number of clients.”
Chief Executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board, Steve Moore, said:
“This is great news for Tregaron. I’m pleased that we have been able to work together with colleagues in Welsh Government and Ceredigion County Council to reach this significant point in the project.
“The development will ensure integrated working to ensure value for money and enable new opportunities to provide services needed for the local population.
“I wish to pay tribute all our stakeholders, including our staff and local authority colleagues for their part in reaching this milestone.”
The Cylch Caron development, led by Ceredigion Local Service Board, represents a total investment of £8.1m by the Welsh Government, Ceredigion County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board to deliver sustainable services in one of the most rural parts of Wales.
The centre will house a range of services, including a GP surgery, community pharmacy, outpatient clinics, community nursing services, long-term nursing care and day care.
There are also plans for 34 flats for people who require extra care and support to remain in their own homes and six integrated health and social care places for people who no longer need to stay in hospital but require more support before they return home.
Work is now progressing on the detailed plans for the Cylch Caron project – the full business case will be submitted to the Welsh Government and a Registered Social Landlord appointed by the summer.
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