‘High demand’ reported for Neuadd Maldwyn

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

A high level of demand has been reported for the flagship extra care facility being created in Welshpool, but there are slight delays to when it will open.

At a meeting of Powys County Council’s Health and Care scrutiny committee, councillors were told that nearly all 66 apartments are taken at the £11.6 million development.

The decision was taken to move ahead with this type of facility, by the Independent/Conservative cabinet more than five years ago and since then, the former council offices at the Grade II-listed Neuadd Maldwyn has been converted into apartments.

It was originally due to be open earlier this year, but Interim head of commissioning and partnerships, Rachel Evans, explained: “The completion date is slightly delayed due to the finalisation of the fire strategy and we’re waiting for sign off for that.

“It’s due to finally open in late autumn and we have 55 applicants that have been allocated an apartment.”

She added that a decision on a further eight applications were due to take place this month.

Ms Evans also explained that of the 55 there were a mix of individuals.

Eight were described as “vulnerable” and would need care and support, while a further three were in care homes, two are in hospitals, 11 were being cared for by family and friends, while 16 already received domiciliary care which would transfer over to Neuadd Maldwyn when they move there.

Ms Evans added: “What extra care enables us to do is provide independent living with onsite care and support.

“That means that people are enabled to live in their own homes for that much longer with a strong emphasis on community, so they are able to participate and provide support to each other in a therapeutic environment and thus reducing the dependency on institutional care.”

She added that the need for the workforce to travel was reduced and better for the environment as they are “based” in the building.

Planning approval was given to the scheme back in January 2021, with the building transferred over to the Clwyd Alyn Housing Association who will look after the building, while the care for residents will be done by a provider on behalf of the council.

The council has updated its data predicting the need for this type of facility.

By 2040, the council predicts that the number of people aged over 65 years old in the Welshpool and Montgomery area will be 6,186 – a rise of 23% on previous projections.

And the number of people aged over 85 by 2040 will have increased to 1,174 which is a 57% increase on previous projections.

Councillors noted the update.