The demolition of a former Council depot begins today in order to make way for an incredible new care facility for adults.
Plymouth City Council is investing £10 million to create a centre of excellence combining specialist emergency and planned respite and day care services for people with complex physical and learning disabilities.
The Outland Road depot, on the edge of Central Park, was once the home of the Council’s parks department but is no longer in use.
The site will now be cleared to allow the building of the brand new facility. Detailed plans for the building will be shared with the public, service users and their families during a consultation process this spring, but it’s set to include:
- A range of modern en-suite bedrooms and flats designed to maximise independence and allow support for adults with a wide range disabilities
- Spaces for activity and learning
- Sensory rooms, outdoor spaces and quiet spaces for relaxation and therapy
Councillor Dr John Mahony, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “This new facility is going to be absolutely fantastic for some of our city’s most vulnerable residents. I’m delighted that we’re taking another step towards it becoming a reality with the demolition of the former depot.
“'As a councillor for Peverell Ward I am particularly pleased with the use of this derelict site on the edge of Central Park, one of Plymouth’s most beautiful spaces. This will open up lots of opportunities for people using the centre to enjoy the great outdoors and spend time in nature which is so important for wellbeing.”
Once built, the facility will replace Colwill Lodge in Estover, which currently provides overnight short breaks and respite and the Vine in Whitleigh which provides daytime support. There is no other respite provision available in Plymouth for this client group.
Demolition of the existing buildings on site is being carried out by Wring Group and is expected take around eight weeks. Procurement for the construction of the new facility will take place later this year.