Work has begun on a major £33 million extra care hub in Menai Bridge.

Anglesey Council says the Aethwy scheme, which includes a residential home, will help meet growing demand in the island's ageing population.

The number of residents over the age of 85 is expected to increase by around 70% over the next decade

In April, councillors granted planning permission for the development at Tyddyn Mostyn, despite objections over envrionmental concerns and potential disruption to local residents.

The Welsh Government is providing around two thirds of the costs for the local authority's biggest ever capital project.

Fôn Roberts, director of social services, said: "The Aethwy scheme is a major step forward in delivering the council plan and preparing Anglesey for an ageing population."

"By bringing together extra care housing, residential care and specialist dementia support on one site, we are ensuring people can live independently for longer while knowing the right care is available when their needs change."

The new scheme includes 45 extra care apartments and a 26-bed residential care home along with a base for health and social care staff covering south Anglesey

The new residential home will include specialist care for people with dementia, expanding the council's in-house support and allowing people with more complex needs to be treated closer to home.

Extra care tenants will also have access to help when needed, reducing loneliness and suppoting wellbeing through social activities and community life.

Councillor Neville Evans, who holds the adult social services portfolio, said: "This development represents a long-term investment in caring for Anglesey's communities, now and in the years ahead."

"It will strengthen care provision for the south of the Island and provide high‑quality dementia support closer to home."

"It reflects our commitment to providing the right care, at the right time, in the right place, while supporting communities and planning responsibly for the needs of future generations."

Around £22m in grants is being provided by the Welsh Government with the remainder funded by Housing Revenue Account Borrowing.

Anglesey Council says the Aethwy scheme has been carefully developed to ensure it is self-sustainable while keeping rent levels affordable for residents.

Delyth Jewell, deputy social care minister, added: "The Aethwy scheme is the kind of long-term, community-centred investment we want to see."

"By bringing different kinds of support together under one roof, this development should allow people to live independently for longer, with the right support available when they need it."

"It is a significant step forward in building a care and support system that is sustainable and rooted in the communities it serves."

The new scheme, covering six acres of land, is being built by contractors Wynne Construction and is due to be completed by November 2028.

Wynne managing direcotr Chris Wynne said: "This is a thoughtfully designed project, and we are looking forward to playing our part in creating a welcoming and sustainable community resource for Menai Bridge and the south of the island."

"Alongside the construction works, we are committed to delivering meaningful social value through engagement with local schools, employment initiatives and opportunities for the wider community."

"We will also work closely with the county council to ensure residents living near the site are kept fully informed as the project progresses."

Cllr Dilwyn Morgan, chair of the North Wales Regional Partnership Board, added: "This scheme is part of our ambitious capital plan for North Wales and I'm delighted to see that works on this exciting and much needed project has now started on Ynys Môn."

"This capital investment will enable people to live independently for longer, whilst ensuring timely access to care and support when needed. I look forward to seeing the progress on site."