For the third time, and a year on from his last visit to the Jones Bros purpose-built training centre on the former North Wales Hospital site in Denbigh, Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies recently returned to meet apprentices and discuss progress at the site.
The purpose-built centre has been providing an array of courses in plant operation, plant maintenance and general construction since 2020.
During his visit, James spoke to apprentices at the centre and was given an update on the development of the site. It forms part of the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund bid, that is due to be submitted imminently.
The project will restore and convert the central section of the former hospital into residential apartments, to be complemented by a mix of services which could include shops, restaurants, and a gym.
Elsewhere on the site, up to 300 homes will be built.
James said;
"The hospital closed in 1995 and sadly the site was left to deteriorate and was regularly the target of arson and vandalism.
"It is therefore great to see even just a small part of the site now being put to such good use. The training and testing centre provides industry accredited training courses in construction and plant operating skills. It was good to meet some of the apprentices and to hear directly from them about the opportunities being provided for them at the centre.
"It is clear from their track record that apprentices are very important to Jones Bros. As their Chairman Huw Jones has previously said, "they are the lifeblood of our company and they are employed from us from day one and not just at the end of their course". Jones Bros recognise the crucial need to invest in our young people and to provide them with the tools they need to succeed in life.
"During my visit, it was also good to get an update on the development. This is an exciting project which will provide jobs and training for the area for the next 10 years, as well as much needed housing. It certainly will help level up the area and I fully support the bid."
