A centre for blind veterans that closed last year is reopening this week as a substance abuse detox centre after it was bought by a mental health and addiction charity for £1.5m.

The Blind Veterans UK run centre in Llandudno, Wales, was closed by the charity last year after 14 years offering specialist help to former servicemen and women with sight loss.

It has since been bought by another charity, Adeferiad, which with an annual income of £27.7m is one of Wales largest charities supporting people impacted by mental health and substance abuse.

The site officially opened this week by Adeferiad as a 40-bed detoxification facility called Parkland Place.

The deal to buy the site was brokered by Bathgate Business Finance and involved finance from charity specialist lender Charity Bank.

“Securing the right funding for a project of this scale was a significant milestone for Adferiad,” said Adeferiad chief executive Alun Thomas.

“As a charity, every investment we make has to deliver long-term value for our beneficiaries, so finding a funding partner that understood both our ambitions and our values was incredibly important.”

He added: “The purchase also preserves the legacy of a building that has served people for well over a century, and where some of the Adferiad's origins began, some 50 years ago.

“As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, it feels particularly fitting that we are giving this historic site a new purpose, ensuring it continues to provide care, hope and support for generations to come.”

Bathgate Business Finance added: “The building, which was originally erected as a convalescent home by Lady Forester in 1904, has a long history of providing care and support in the local community.

“Adferiad will continue its legacy as a place of care and rehabilitation as part of its expanded services in North Wales.”

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