Multi-million pound independent living scheme in town on track to open this summer

A new multi-million pound housing scheme in Wrexham is on track to open this summer.

The Maes Y Dderwen independent housing scheme is currently under construction in Grosvenor Road, Wrexham

The £10.5 million scheme is specifically designed for local people aged 60 or over who wish to live independently in a home of their own with the peace of mind of 24-hour access to care support.

Work on the Grosvenor Road site has been ongoing for several months and once complete will provide 60 high quality self-contained one and two bed properties and a range of communal facilities – including as an on-site restaurant, residents’ lounge, mobility scooter storage and activity rooms.

The scheme, which is being developed in partnership between Wrexham County Borough Council and Tŷ Glas Housing Society, part of the Pennaf Housing Group, is scheduled to open in the early summer.

With the opening date fast approaching, it has been announced that a senior care extra manager and officer have been appointed to the scheme.

Gaynor Jones, who is local to Wrexham, is the new Extra Care Officer appointed at Maes y Dderwen. She has worked at a senior level in the care and support sector for the last 26 years and is passionate about the new extra care housing scheme due to open shortly in her home town:

“This is a superb asset to the town and indeed the wider county area. It will provide a first-rate housing option for those over 60 who are looking to live independently in their own self-contained apartment while having the peace of mind of 24 hour care support on site.

“As a local person I also really appreciate the transformation of this key site in the heart of the town, again helping those who want to remain independent getting out and about.

“I’m really motivated by wanting to help people access this opportunity to live well with flexible, individual support that can adapt as individual needs change, and I’m already bowled over by some of the lovely people I’ve already met who are looking into this as a potential option for themselves or a family member.”

Carol Thomas, who will take on the role of senior extra care manager, described being involved in the scheme as a “privilege”.

She added: “I joined the Pennaf Housing Group in 2008 and I have seen first hand how the lives of older people and their families have been transformed by the independent living options that extra care housing provides.”

Plans for the multi-million development were approved by councillors in September 2014, with the project receiving a share of Vibrant and Viable Places funding.

Cllr Joan Lowe, Lead Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “This is an exciting and innovative project and we are all very pleased that the works are progressing so well. I would like to welcome Gaynor to the team and wish her well as we all look forward to the opening in the summer.”