Work on the former North Wales Hospital in Denbigh has hit a key milestone, with the contract awarded for initial ecology activity.

Denbighshire County Council, which owns the site, has appointed Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK for the early phase of ecology protection work, including the construction of two bat barns.

The work is a crucial step in the project timeline, which will allow for the demolition of existing buildings, a move that will enhance health and safety on site and support the next phase of the development.

The former North Wales Hospital scheme aims to deliver a programme of regeneration improvements in three different phases over a 12-year period and is currently led by Denbighshire County Council, with support from key partners including Ambition North Wales.

The scheme will redevelop the derelict 53-acre site and include restoration of the Grade 2*-listed building, new homes, commercial units, as well as green community spaces.

Denbighshire County Council has secured just under £20m of UK Government funding for agreed projects within the Vale of Clwyd constituency, one of which is the Former North Wales Hospital project, with £3m allocated through its ‘Pride of Place and Natural Environment’ programme.

In addition, £6.94m has been secured for the project via Ambition North Wales as part of the North Wales Growth Deal, which is funded by both UK and Welsh governments.

Councillor Jason McLellan, leader of Denbighshire County Council and lead member for the Growth Deal’s Land and Property Programme, said: “I’m so pleased that this first phase is now so close to getting underway.

“This is another important milestone in the development of the Former North Wales Hospital project.

“Not only do these plans aim to regenerate a prominent historical landmark in Denbighshire, but it also plans to support the growth of the local economy.

Hedd Vaughan-Evans, head of operations at Ambition North Wales, adds: “We welcome the decision from Denbighshire County Council to approve the £3m funding from UK Government for the Phase 1 works at the Former North Wales Hospital in Denbigh.

“This is an important milestone for the project and crucial to unlocking the development of the site and delivery of the whole project.

“The investment into the development and the delivery of new employment and training opportunities on the site will act as a catalyst for the regeneration in the town and wider economic growth across the county and region.”

And a Jones Bros spokesperson said: “The buildings at the former North Wales Hospital are derelict, contain asbestos, and are structurally unsound, which is a health and safety concern.

“Health and safety is our number one priority and this milestone to construct bat barns will play a crucial role to carry out further surveys, liaise with the council to enable site reclamation and demolition options.”