The Council has provided a progress report on work to build a specialist care accommodation in Gelli, for people with a learning disability in adulthood and older age. The development will be completed this year, with progress being made with the brickwork, roofing, and mechanical and electrical installations.
The project at the former Bronllwyn Residential Care Home site is part of the Council’s continuing commitment to modernise the care accommodation offer in Rhondda Cynon Taf. The first-class development at Colwyn Road is being built by Langstone Construction Group. It will include 14 en-suite rooms with respite provision, build across three elevations (lower, ground and first floors).
The modern, on-site amenities include state-of-the-art accommodation and facilities for people with a learning disability, assisted bathrooms and a training room. There will be a vibrant courtyard area outside, while the site’s existing car park and main point of access are both being retained.
Important progress with the building work has been made over the winter, particularly with forming the main structure of the new building. Most of the lower levels are complete, with the first floor in place. Concrete floor planks have been installed to the first floor, ready for the final floor to be constructed.
Elsewhere, mechanical and electrical cabling has started in advance of the main phase of work in this area. Externally, rainwater gardens and storm water control chambers are installed, forming part of a Sustainable Drainage Scheme that will reduce the risk of surface water flooding during heavy rain.
During the period ahead, the contractor will look to make the most of the better seasonal weather to complete the building structure, roof structure, and coverings. Window and door installations will also be progressed, along with the external façade completion, and moving on to internal works. Drainage works will continue along with soft landscaping once the scaffolding is removed. The overall project completion is expected in autumn 2026.
Councillor Gareth Caple, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Care, said: “This impressive development in Gelli is revitalising an unused site in the heart of the community, to create a modern accommodation for people with learning disabilities to receive the care they need. We can really see the progress being made in the latest images from the work site, and our contractor will look to make further progress through the spring and summer, enabling the development to open this year.
“The Council remains absolutely committed to investing in modern care accommodation, responding to reported changes in their needs and expectations – while we are also ensuring demands in specific communities are met. This specialist scheme in Gelli will create 14 new beds, and is being built alongside a new 60-bed extra care scheme in Porth that nears completion. We already have three thriving extra care developments in Talbot Green, Aberaman and Graig, which continue to be very popular with residents and communities.
“In addition, work has recently commenced on site in Mountain Ash, to create a development that mixes extra care, dementia care and ‘Later Living’ on a single site – while the Council has previously made commitments on future schemes in Ferndale and Church Village. Officers continue to design and develop the projects and will keep the public fully-informed with their progress.
“It’s fantastic to see the roofing and brickwork progress on site in Gelli, as the building really begins to take shape, week by week. Our dedicated contractor Langstone Construction Group continues to work hard on site each day, sharing our commitment to delivering this project as quickly as possible for the community. I’m looking forward to seeing the site again in person very soon.”
The construction phase is progressing with minimal disruption to the local community. If residents have queries about the works or site activity, please contact the contractor project manager (rthomas@langstoneconstruction.com) or social value manager (rcarey@langstoneconstruction.com) for the scheme.
Visit the #TransformingRCT webpages to see our investment in residential and extra care – including information on past, current and future projects, as well as video case studies showing how our extra care sites are helping local people live independently, while providing support for their assessed needs.
Posted on 20/05/2026