Planning has been submitted by North Wales Recovery Communities (NWRC) for the change of use of the former Hillgrove School building on Ffriddoedd Road in Bangor, to provide supported living for residents.

 

 

NWRC is a charity established in 2014 and aims to create a network of recovery communities that support individuals to establish and maintain abstinence from long term substance misuse. NWRC are currently based at Penrhyn House in Bangor, which has accommodation for up to 17 individuals,  however, the premises is in a state of ill repair with the need for substantial investment in the property and it would not be financially viable to purchase the property and undertake the renovation work and it would not meet the best interests of the charity and its future capabilities to help those in the community with their recovery.

Hillgrove School closed in 2017 and has been identified by the applicant as a suitable site for its relocation, enabling the charity to remain in Bangor. NWRC is therefore looking to relocate to Hillgrove School at Ffriddoedd Road, to provide a fit-for-purpose site, which would be in keeping with the best interest of the charity and its future growth.

NWRC was founded in 2014 and began delivering a programme of meetings and recovery activity from Penrhyn House, which at the time was a hostel for ex-offenders. After negotiations with the landlord, the team took over the running of Penrhyn House and have since been running a rehabilitation programme for people with addictions to drugs and alcohol, they also provide a range of abstinent accommodation from both Penrhyn House and dispersed across Bangor.

NWRC now has a team of six staff; all staff are in recovery themselves, and two have used NWRC services previously to support them on their recovery journey. Working and recruiting in this way has contributed to a democratic ethos amongst staff and clients, enabling them to work honestly and openly together, creating an environment in which people can overcome their addictions and rebuild their lives.

NWRC deliver a programme of meetings and recovery activity from Penrhyn House. Which includes Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Cocaine Anonymous (CA), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), 12 step recovery programme, SMART Recovery (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy – CBT), Moving on in My Recovery (MOIMR) (ACT), BRP (multiple recovery pathways), Yoga, Mindfulness, fitness sessions and 5-a-side football.

Residents reside with NWRC for as long as they need. There is no definitive time for their stay as the recovery journey for all individuals will vary. NWRC differ from the majority of other residential rehabilitation business models, as they are designed for the success of the business, whilst NWRC is designed for the success of the individuals.

Proposed Development

The proposed development entails the change of use of the building which was formerly used as Hillgrove School to a hostel/supported living unit to be used by NWRC.

The proposal includes internal reconfiguration, a small extension to the building and associated works, although the existing building would remain largely unchanged from the outside. Internal reconfiguration of the building is proposed to provide a building which is fit for purpose and a small extension is proposed in order to link two parts of the existing building.

The proposal would provide 18 bedrooms providing en-suite accommodation spread across two floors of the building. The accommodation would also provide a domestic kitchen, communal dining area, communal lounge, commercial kitchen and dining room and a main hall along with staff room and storage provision.

The proposal would utilise the existing vehicular access from Ffriddoedd Road and no changes are proposed externally to accommodate parking. The trees within the grounds would be retained and working in this area would be limited to biodiversity enhancement.

The change of use of the building to provide a hostel would provide support for residents who are from the local community, and a facility that serves the local community in terms of being open as a walk-in service between 7am and 11pm.

To read the full planning details visit: https://amg.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/planning/index.html?fa=getApplication&id=33174