‘First Class’ Scheme Provides Quality Housing For Veterans in Wrexham

A ‘first class’ facility in Wrexham offering supported housing for veterans who are adapting to civilian life has had its official opening.

Ty Dewr, located on Esytn Road, benefitted from a £2.26m grant last year to help convert and build apartments for military personnel returning to civilian life.

Meaning ‘Brave House’, Ty Dewr offers 12 en-suite bedrooms in the newly refurbished high quality building set in a tranquil rural location only a couple of miles from the town centre, with an external gymnasium built into the grounds. One room offers fully wheelchair accessible accommodation.

Alabaré, a charity which works ‘with vulnerable and marginalised people in communities’, will provide the support for those that may struggle to make the transition into civilian life or who suffer from PTSD, addictions or other mental health issues.

Speaking about Ty Dewr, Hilary Ryan, Chief Executive of First Choice, said: “It is great to see the positive results of partnership working in delivery of this accommodation and to be able to show tangible support for those that have served their country none of which would have been achievable without the support of our partners at the Wrexham Local Authority and MOD.”

The facility was developed by First Choice Housing Association with funding from the MOD Veterans Accommodation Fund. It was formally opened on Friday 28th April by Brigadier Martyn Gamble, Commander 160th Infantry Brigade.

First Choice Housing Association works across Wales and Shropshire to provide bespoke accommodation solutions for vulnerable people. The association currently has over 600 tenants and has further plans under way to construct a self-build 16 flat complex in the Western Gateway in close proximity to the town centre, comprising a mix of one and two bed flats.

Cllr Ian Roberts, Wrexham Council’s Lead member for Housing, said: “I was very pleased to see what First Choice Housing have been able to achieve. It is a first class facility and one that our veterans deserve. Well done to everyone involved in this project.”

Wrexham’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr David Griffiths, added: “I am delighted that this new facility for our veterans has opened. I know it will be a huge support to those who have served their country in the armed forces. I would like to thank Hilary Ryan and Richard Lloyd of First Choice Housing for their unwavering support and work with Wrexham Armed Forces Covenant group to bring this fantastic facility to Wrexham.”

Working with the Community Self Build Agency who will recruit Ex-Forces personnel to work on the build, the project will offer the opportunity for work experience, training and qualifications in building or other construction related skills and entitle the ex-services personnel to rent one of the properties on completion.