Some of Plymouth’s most vulnerable adults can look forward to and help shape a new purpose-built place to work, rest and play.
The green light has been given for the Council to invest £10 million in an incredible new centre of excellence which will combine specialist emergency and planned respite/day care services for people with complex physical and learning disabilities.
The former council depot on Outland Road is being earmarked for this new care facility and the design is expected to feature:
- A range of modern en-suite bedrooms and flats specifically designed to maximise independence and allow support for adults with a wide range disabilities.
- Spaces for activity and learning (activities to support daily living, IT suite, pottery, art, relaxation and music)
- Sensory rooms and outdoor spaces and quiet spaces for relaxation and therapy
- Access to Adapted cycles for use within the grounds of the service and within Central Park
- Kitchen area for food preparation and independent living skills
- Smart technology to support increased independence
It’s proposed location, on the border of Central Park, will open up huge opportunities for customers to enjoy the park, the Life Centre, transport links as well as sharing some of its new planned facilities for others with disabilities, for example, the Access to Adapted cycles, Changing Places and potentially room hire for small local community groups.
The brand new building, which has yet to be designed, will offer essential planned and emergency respite and is intended to make sure customers enjoy their best life with specialist support on hand to help them be as independent as possible, to support education and skills development as well as opportunities for employment.
A key aspect of the project will be to provide carers and individuals with more flexible options for breaks through the day, evening and overnight.
A decision is being taken today to invest £10 million into the scheme which, once available, will bring the services, staff and customers from Colwill and The Vines together under one service.
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.
Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Councillor Kate Taylor said: “We are right at the start of a journey but this is going to be a fantastic facility.
"I’m really proud that this council wants to invest in making something special for some of our most vulnerable residents and for this to be so close to one of our most treasured spaces. This is not just about what the building will look like, this is about reshaping a service, opening up loads of opportunities because of where this centre will be. Carers do an amazing job supporting loved ones and we recognise how demanding this can be; services like this new facility provide a vital role in helping carers have some time for themselves.”
Cabinet Member for Environment and Street Scene, Councillor Sue Dann, added: “Having a new care facility so close to Central Park will be a huge benefit to the residents, the day care visitors and the staff, access to green spaces really promotes the health and wellbeing of people."
Plans are at very early stages and will also offer opportunities for families and those receiving services to be involved of the design and development.