More than 90 per cent of the investment into a landmark extra care housing scheme is being spent with subcontractors and major suppliers in Wales.

In addition, four fifths of subcontractor and major supplier appointments have been within 30 miles of the £12m Awel y Dyffryn complex, now under construction in Denbigh for Grŵp Cynefin housing association.

Local apprentices and other trainees now learning about careers in construction, are also benefiting from the development of the 66-apartment town centre scheme for older people.

To date, 550 weeks of training have been carried out on site, while numerous school visits and site open days have also taken place.

Trainees benefiting from the work experience include undergraduate contracts managers, and a number of bricklaying apprentices from Llandrillo College.

Located on the site of the derelict former Middle Lane School, Awel y Dyffryn is due for completion in mid-2020.

It is being developed by local contractor, R L Davies, of Colwyn Bay.

Grŵp Cynefin Regeneration Services Director, Dylan Roberts, said:

“It is always a priority of Grŵp Cynefin to make sure that as many benefits as possible from our investments filter through to local people and businesses.

“At Awel y Dyffryn, I’m especially pleased with the high proportion of local jobs created through the appointment of so many local subcontractors and suppliers.

“It’s also particularly pleasing that our main contractor, R L Davies of Colwyn Bay, has done so much work with colleges of further education, and is ensuring that a good range of training opportunities are being taken up by local students.

“We are really pleased with the results of their work so far regarding community benefits.”

R L Davies commercial manager Delyth Davies said: “We are committed to ensuring that as many local residents benefit from such a big investment in the heart of Denbigh. It’s rewarding to know that so many people who live in the local community are getting work experience, and winning sub-contracts, at Awel y Dyffryn.”

The scheme will meet the needs of older people who want to live independently in their own homes, but with care and support available 24 hours, if needed.

Preference for tenancies will be given to Denbighshire residents aged 60 and over.

Tenants will be able to access shared facilities including a restaurant; activities room; communal lounges; landscaped gardens and laundry.

Extra benefits on offer will include intergenerational events to tackle loneliness together with other social and leisure activities.

Awel y Dyffryn is Grŵp Cynefin’s fifth extra care scheme, and its second in Denbighshire. Its other, long-established, schemes are located in Bala, Holyhead, Ruthin and Porthmadog.

Its accommodation will comprise 42 two-bedroom and 24 one-bedroom apartments.

Awel y Dyffryn is a joint project between Grŵp Cynefin and Denbighshire County Council, with financial support from the Welsh Government.

Cllr Bobby Feeley, Denbighshire County Council Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said:

“Awel y Dyffryn is great example of partnership working and the Council is pleased to be involved with this project.

“The scheme will provide accommodation to support older people to live independently and reduce the need for residential care, which is a priority for the Council under our Corporate Plan.

“Ensuring the benefits of projects like this stay in the local area and help grow the local economy and create jobs is something we can all be proud of.”

Noela Jones, Head of Housing Services at Grŵp Cynefin, added:

“We’re keen to share the message if residents are interested in applying for an apartment at Awel y Dyffryn and want to have a confidential conversation about whether they can afford the rent and service charge, we’d urge you to please get in touch with us and we can offer you support and advice in maximising your income.”