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A new £8.5m extra care scheme in Holywell will be called Plas yr Ywen

Published: 05/02/2019

The name for the 55-apartment scheme - which translates as Yew Hall in English – takes its lead from a Yew tree which has been preserved at the site of the former Ysgol Perth y Terfyn on Halkyn Road.

Wales & West Housing is providing the new facility in partnership with Flintshire Council and Anwyl Construction, with the first residents set to move in by early 2020.

The new name was revealed on site as members of Flintshire Council visited to check how work was progressing.

Anne Hinchey, Chief Executive of Wales & West Housing, said:

“We’re thrilled to see how quickly work has progressed with the scheme and already can’t wait to see the first residents move in early next year.

“We’re equally proud that this important new development for Flintshire will benefit the North Wales economy with Anwyl Construction as lead contractors.

“The number of extra care living spaces provided by Wales & West Housing in the county will almost double once Plas yr Ywen opens, helping to meet the growing demand for this type of accommodation in the county.” 

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Services, Councillor Christine Jones, said:

“This is another great step forward for our latest extra care scheme in Flintshire. With the Council and Wales & West Housing working in partnership together, we are all looking forward to seeing this scheme come to fruition. Plas yr Ywen will provide excellent facilities to make a real difference to residents’ lives.”

The four-storey apartment building will have 43 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom apartments with a range of facilities and 24 hour on site care and support for people aged 50 plus with support needs.

Construction of the new scheme started in July, following demolition of the former Ysgol Perth y Terfyn.

The brick, hardcore and concrete from the school were crushed and recycled on-site with mobile plant by Anwyl Construction, ensuring a sustainable use of these waste materials.

Tom Anwyl, Managing Director at Anwyl Group Construction Division, commented:

“We’re thrilled to be once again working in partnership with Wales & West Housing and Flintshire County Council on the Plas yr Ywen scheme, revitalising the former school site in Holywell.

“We have projected that the works will create 8 new apprenticeship opportunities, with 1 new apprentice and 1 trainee having been already recruited at this early stage, along with the offer of many more work experience placements and training opportunities for people in the local area. All of which is part of our commitment to closing the skills gap in construction and enhancing each community that we work within.” 

An open day for the public to find out more about Plas yr Ywen will be held in Holywell on Tuesday 9 April, venue to be confirmed. Please call 0800 052 2526 or email contactus@wwha.co.uk for more information.

^{Cllr Paul Johnson; Cllr Christine Jones; Matthew Hall, Wales & West Housing; Neil Ayling; Chief Officer Social Services at Flintshire County Council; Tom Anwyl, Director, Anwyl Construction; Anne Hinchey- Chief Executive, Wales & West Housing; Cllr Ted Palmer; Anne Caloe, Wales & West Housing and Aaron Shotton, Leader of Flintshire County Council. Picture Mandy Jones}