CONSTRUCTION work to transform the former North Wales Medical Centre in Craig Y Don into a centre for blind ex-Service men and women will begin this month.
The facility will be the latest centre for national charity St Dunstan's who will be able to provide rehabilitation and training, and teach independent living skills such as getting around safely, navigating a kitchen and IT skills.
Bodelwyddan based company Wynne Construction will be starting work by mid May with the centre estimated to be completed next year.
Robert Leader, Chief Executive of St Dunstan’s said, “We are delighted to be underway with the refurbishment and hope to be up and running and in a position to open St Dunstan’s Llandudno Centre in the Autumn of 2011. The new facility will help ensure that we are reaching more blind ex-Service personnel in need of our specialist assistance. It will enable them to access bespoke services and support, equipping them with the skills to lead full and independent lives. We have been overwhelmed by the welcome received from the people of North Wales and look forward to becoming part of the local community.”
According to Chris Wynne, managing director of Wynne Construction, the building project will provide employment opportunities to local tradesmen.
He said: “As an established firm in North Wales we are delighted to have been awarded this prestigious contract. Our proven experience in this field equips us to deliver the project to a high standard, providing
St Dunstan’s with the optimum environment in which to offer the best possible services to its beneficiaries. The project will also enable us to offer employment to a number of skilled workers in the area, as well as affording valuable opportunities for the future. The project has been widely welcomed by the local community and we are looking forward to getting started.”
The building in Craig Y Don was visited by Prince William earlier this year, who tried his hand at blind archery and talked to some of the people who take advantage of services provided by St Dunstan's.