New nursery will create 20 jobs in Craig-y-Don

A DISUSED church will get a new lease of life as a day nursery which will create over 20 jobs in Craig-y-Don.

The former Christian Scientist Church in Clarence Road, has been empty for several years while landlords Mostyn Estates looked for suitable tenants to take it over.

And now the long established Springfield Day Nursery from Colwyn Bay plans to turn it into a facility catering for 70 pre-school children and a 20 place after school club.

“We’re really pleased that Springfield Nursery is taking the premises, as we feel that this is a great alternative use after it ceased to be a church.

“This is something that is in keeping with the area and I feel it will also help the local economy in Craig-y-Don, not just in creating jobs, but in helping local businesses who could benefit as a result of it,” said Mostyn Estates managing director, Edward Hillier.

Mostyns and Springfield are jointly funding a £250,000 re-design and renovation of the building and Mr Hillier says the emphasis will be on making it eco friendly.

“There will be a number of environmentally friendly features and we will be concentrating on improving its energy efficiency.

“It will be good for young children to be made aware of the need for environmental change,” he said.

David Edwards, of Springfield Day Nursery, said this was a significant expansion of the business which had been established in Colwyn Bay since 1992.

“We feel there is a demand for the service we offer in the area. We offer high standard childcare coupled with preparing children for starting school.

“The Craig-y-Don nursery will be run by one of our most experienced managers and will have 20 jobs, and the project will also create three additional jobs at out headquarters in Colwyn Bay,” he explained.

Planning permission to convert the church building has been obtained and it is hoped the nursery will open for business in March next year.

“This will be subject to final approval from the Care and Social Services Inspectorate who quite rightly will need to ensure that everything is in order,” he added.