Work starts at Bwthyn y Ddôl

Wynne Construction welcomed representatives from Conwy County Borough Council, Denbighshire County Council, and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to the Bwthyn y Ddôl site for a ceremonial sod-cutting to mark the start of work on the new Children’s Assessment Centre.

With experience working with the three organisations on major developments across North Wales, Bodelwyddan-based Wynne has taken over the £3.8 million project as the principal contractor to design and build the new children’s assessment unit.

Bwthyn Y Ddôl, a partnership project between Conwy County Borough Council, Denbighshire County Council, and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), aims to increase access to support for children in North Wales with complex needs and their families.

Due to complete in September 2024, the purpose-built Colwyn Bay facility comprises three single storey-buildings and will be the first of its kind in Conwy and Denbighshire.

With the existing building on the site demolished prior to Wynne’s commencement of works, the firm has now completed the design process and is set to construct the unit off Abergele Road near Eirias Park.

The first stage of construction will include fitting concrete stilts to create a level base for the ground floors, which will be followed by the slab and ring beam installation, forming the foundation of the buildings.

Graham Dickson, contract manager for Wynne Construction, said: “It’s brilliant to be working with the health board once again as well as strengthen our relationship with Conwy County Borough Council, particularly on such an important scheme for Conwy and Denbighshire.

“Building essential community facilities is incredibly rewarding for the team, and as part of the design process, we have incorporated features to make the centre an inviting, safe space for children, their families, and care team.”

The build includes a dedicated assessment unit to provide space for therapies and care, alongside accommodation for planned stays.

The project will utilise structural insulated panels (SIPs) to bring thermal value to the building, and during the initial stages of construction Wynne carried out biodiversity measures on site to protect local wildlife.

Graham added: “We have completed our pre-works assessment, which has included incorporating ecology procedures to protect a badger sett, a protected species under UK law.

“We are using noise barriers to avoid disturbing the animals and work is scheduled to commence in July once mating season has passed to ensure the sett will not be affected by construction.”

Cllr Liz Roberts, Conwy’s Cabinet Member for children, families and safeguarding, said: “Bwthyn y Ddôl will be a place where children can be safely cared for, supported and supervised by a residential team, and where children and their parents and carers can meet an on-site therapeutic team.

“We’re delighted to see work starting on site to get this exciting and worthwhile project progressing again.”

Cllr Gill German, Denbighshire’s Deputy Leader and lead member for education, children and families, said:

“It is exciting to see the first steps underway in this ground breaking scheme for Conwy and Denbighshire.

“I am really looking forward to the successful completion of this project which will make such a difference for those children and families who need complex support.

“This model of care has been developed to focus on the specific needs of children and young people using the expertise of a multi- disciplinary team.”

The Bwthyn Y Ddôl project is funded through the Welsh Government’s Integrated Care Fund (ICF) and Housing Care Fund (HCF).

The project follows Wynne’s completion of the multi-million-pound Bron Y Nant disability respite centre development in Rhos-on-Sea, bringing improved care facilities to the region.

Wynne Construction is on the North Wales Construction Partnership (NWCP), Pagabo’s Medium Works Framework, the South-East and mid-Wales Collaborative Construction Framework (SEWSCAP3) and the South West Wales Regional Contractors Framework (SSWRCF).