CONSTRUCTION of a new day centre for adults with learning disabilities is nearing completion in Huddersfield.
Work to build the shell of the new Cemetery Road unit – on the site of the former Highfields Special School in Edgerton – is now finished.
Next, the focus will be on developing the interior of the £3m centre in time for opening later this summer.
The resource unit will offer a range day opportunities and activities.
It is aimed at those currently using Swallow Court at Springwood and Lindley Special Unit on Lidget Street.
Councillors and council bosses visited the site this week to celebrate its progress.
Clr Shabir Pandor, joint lead cabinet member for adult services, said: “The completion of the external building work at the centre is very exciting.
“It will offer a wide range of day opportunities and other activities for adults who need social care support along with a wide variety of activities for the whole community.
“People who use our services, their families and carers have all been involved in the project and have put forward their views and comments.”
Work to build the new centre started in September 2008.
The building will be fully accessible – both indoors and outside – for people with physical disabilities.
A range of activities will be offered there including craft sessions and gardening. Greenhouses are also being included as part of the project.
Clr Andrew Marchington, joint lead cabinet member for Safer, Stronger Communities, said: “The centre will benefit lots of people.
“Not only will it provide valuable day opportunities for people with learning and physical disabilities, it will also be open to the wider community as a resource centre that can be used by local voluntary and community groups delivering activities and services on evenings and at weekends.
“We want to see the building valued as a community hub. One that is used to its full potential, offering value for money services and activities to Kirklees citizens.”
Services from Swallow Court in Huddersfield town centre and Lindley Special Care Unit will transfer to the new Highfields site once it is ready.
The two other centres are then expected to close.
Swallow Court is at the centre of a major redevelopment planned for Huddersfield town centre which could see a new sports centre being built on its site to make way for a Tesco store on Southgate.
