Holywell extra care scheme officially opened by First Minister of Wales
(l to r) Janet Bellis (Flintshire Council) with Mark Drakeford and Alex Ashton (Wales & West Housing)
A celebration led by the First Minister of Wales marked the transformation of an ancient woodland site in Flintshire from a primary school into an extra care scheme, ensuring its continued use for different generations in the community.
The Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS was joined by residents and a school choir as he officially opened Wales & West Housing’s Plas yr Ywen extra care scheme in Holywell.
He also unveiled a friendship-themed bench commissioned by Wales & West Housing to mark National Friendship Month.
The bench was made by The Willow Collective, a community mill based in West Rhyl which is helping young people in one of the most deprived areas of North Wales learn new skills and gain valuable work experience. It will be placed in the scheme’s woodland walk for residents to enjoy.
“I’m pleased we have been able to provide funding for Plas yr Ywen. It was a pleasure to see the high-quality accommodation being provided for local people here in Flintshire.”
Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS, First Minister of Wales
The ancient woodland was preserved as a feature of the former Ysgol Perth y Terfyn when the school was demolished to make way for Plas yr Ywen, which was built by Wales & West Housing in partnership with Flintshire County Council and Welsh Government. It provides much needed extra care living opportunities for residents over 50.
Ysgol Perth y Terfyn merged into a new primary school, Ysgol Maes y Felin, and current pupils from the school performed two songs and a poem to mark the official opening on Friday 15 September.
Anne Hinchey, Group Chief Executive of Wales & West Housing Group, said: “It is wonderful to see that the site where there was once a primary school remains an important facility for people in Holywell, as a home to more than 60 residents.
“We know that extra care plays a vital role in helping to reduce loneliness and isolation so it was fitting that we were able to celebrate friendship in the form of the new bench which we hope residents will enjoy for many years to come.”
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “I’m pleased we have been able to provide funding for Plas yr Ywen. It was a pleasure to see the high-quality accommodation being provided for local people here in Flintshire.
“It’s always good to see our public land being reused for the benefit of the community and especially to see the ancient woodland has been retained so residents can continue to enjoy the wonderful trees and wildlife for years to come.”
Cllr Christine Jones, Deputy Leader of Flintshire Council and Cabinet Member for Social Services and Wellbeing, said: “Plas Yr Ywen is the fourth extra care scheme to be opened in Flintshire and we are delighted to be able to offer more extra care living opportunities for residents over 50.
“Following its opening in 2021 Plas Yr Ywen has become a vibrant and exciting place to live and we are looking forward to continuing to support the community.”
Extra care housing gives people the freedom to live independently in their own home with the reassurance of access to on-site care and support.
Plas yr Ywen has 55 apartments featuring en-suite walk-in shower rooms, contemporary fully-fitted kitchens and assisted bathrooms. Other facilities include an on-site restaurant, laundry facilities, buggy store for mobility scooters, a guest suite and lounge areas.
Find out more online: https://www.wwha.co.uk/en/property-extra-care/plas-yr-ywen-holywell/