JOBS are now being advertised at a new 62-bed private mental health unit in Rhyl which is set to open in January.

The unit, Seren Gobaith, will be situated at 64 Brighton Road, a site which was previously used for benefits offices for Denbighshire County Council, and will employ about 150 people.

Construction is on course to be completed by the end of November.

Nadarajah Pragash, of Headlands Nursing Home, Llangollen, submitted the proposals to the council in early 2020, which were granted planning permission in June of that year.

Wynne Construction has been contracted to design and build the facility, with the works also including alterations and adaptations of the existing three-storey building.

Jobs for mental health nurses, occupational therapists and clinical psychologists remain available – anyone interested can email ty_melyn2024@yahoo.com or recruitment@serengobaith.com.

Dr Richard Mottershead is advising on the project, having worked in mental health for 25 years, including in North Wales.

He said: “The exact date isn’t there yet, but we’re planning on opening in early January.

“Some jobs have already been secured. It’s going to create 150 jobs ultimately, but initially, about 35 in the first phase. We’ve had some really strong candidates in the last few days.

“We’re advertising jobs on social media through the communities, and through the job centre in Rhyl.

“One of the reasons we’re doing that is because we want local people to be invested in, and make a positive impact on, the community.

“We’ve also got Lord Newborough (owner of the Rhug Estate in Corwen) coming to visit; he’s going to advise on sustainability and nutrition at the unit.

“When the kitchen is open, we’ll look at buying produce locally. I’m hoping the plan works and it can have a really positive impact on Rhyl – we’ve just got to find good staff!”

Particular focus will be given on offering job opportunities to those who have served in the Armed Forces or emergency services, Dr Mottershead added.

The building was originally constructed in the early 1970s as offices for the Department of Health and Social Security, until it was taken on by Denbighshire County Council.

It has remained empty since being vacated by the county council in March 2017.

The property has also suffered from incidents of forced access, vandalism, and theft as well as anti-social behaviour.