Delight as work begins at last on care complex
CONSTRUCTION of a new £13 million residential care complex for the elderly in Carmarthen has finally started.
The Argel home in Johnstown is being demolished and replaced by a four-storey building that will be twice the size.
When the plans were first unveiled they sparked a huge amount of controversy and led to a 4,000-name petition.
Argel had been under threat of closure for years, with Carmarthenshire Council coming under pressure to improve the ailing structure. Now there will be a complete rebuild.
The new facility will also cater for current residents at the Cartref Tawelan home in Ash Grove.
The new plans are for 50 self-contained one and two bedroomed apartments and 11 dementia care apartments.
There will also be a day centre catering for up to 25 people.
Representatives of Carmarthenshire Council and Family Housing Association, who will operate the scheme in partnership, met on site to mark the cutting of the first sod.
The multi-million pound scheme is part of the council’s capital investment programme to update and improve care provision in Carmarthenshire.
The scheme is designed to help the residents maintain their independence and will cater for needs ranging from minimal care to those with high dependency.
Residents at the former Argel home have been transferred to other residential homes in the area while the work is being done at the site on Llansteffan Road.
It is hoped construction will be complete by the spring of 2015, with residents expected to move in shortly after.
Cartref Tawelan will close with residents moved to coincide with the opening of the new facility.
Town and county councillor Alun Lenny, who has a relative at Cartref Tawelan, welcomed the plans. “This event is a tribute to all those who fought so hard against the closure of Tawelan and Argel three years ago, and to ensure a new care home for Carmarthen.
Campaign
“Were it not for the efforts of people like Canon Patrick Thomas and chairman of the Argel League of Friends Evan JCB Davies, and the 3,600 people who signed the petition during the campaign, I doubt if we’d be here today.”
Mr Lenny said: “In the present economic climate, I’m very pleased that the county council is able to fund this new complex which will be an invaluable facility for Carmarthen for decades to come.”
Council director of social care, health and housing Bruce McLernon said: “This scheme has been part of our overall plan to modernise care provision in the county, and provide older people with the kind of facilities you would expect in the modern day.
“We are delivering on our commitments, and are delighted to see construction work begin.”
Family Housing Association chief executive Jeff Evans added: “Family Housing Association and Carmarthenshire Council have successfully worked in partnership to design and develop this exciting new scheme to provide up to date homes and services for older residents of Carmarthenshire and we look forward to welcoming the new tenants to the finished building.”
