Former council building to be turned into 60 care units

Neuadd Maldwyn has been the council base in Montgomeryshire for many years, and has housed hearings and council meetings.

It was announced the building would be sold off or put to another use, and now it looks set to be used to address the need for extra care units in Welshpool.

A spokesman for Powys County Council said the demand for care beds in Welshpool is one of the highest in Powys, and a feasibility report will go before the council later this year.

A spokesman said: "A review of older people’s accommodation in Powys has identified Welshpool as a priority area for development of extra care.

"Extra care housing is acknowledged as one of the more appropriate ways of supporting people in their own communities, receiving the care that they may need without having to move into care - the county’s first extra care scheme Llys Glan-Yr-Afon opened in Newtown in 2017.

"The demand for extra care beds in Welshpool is one of the highest in Powys with little or no facilities to meet that demand.

"No decision has yet been made on a potential development site, with a review of a number of options, including Neuadd Maldwyn, taking place. A feasibility report will be considered by the cabinet later this year."

Supported

County councillor Graham Breeze described the plans as fantastic news that will be widely supported.

He added: "This development is the best possible news for Welshpool and while delicate negotiations have been taking place it has been difficult not being able to let people know about the scheme " said Welshpool County Councillor Graham Breeze.

"There is a desperate need for this type of property in Welshpool and Powys County Council is obliged to provide accommodation.

"The waiting list for affordable and additional care homes of this type is far too long in Welshpool where families are being forced to live in overcrowded or very poor conditions.

"This scheme offers Powys County Council the opportunity to utilise Welsh Government funding while at the same time making use of an extremely problematic listed building which is no longer fit for purpose.

"This development of additional care homes is fantastic news for Welshpool and should be widely supported."