Construction begins in Inverness on pioneering £4.1m multi-purpose centre for young people with learning disabilities and complex needs
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Construction has begun at a site in Inverness to develop Scotland’s first multi-purpose centre for young people with learning disabilities and complex needs.
The long-awaited £4.1 million Haven Centre in Smithton will comprise three two-bedroom respite flats for young adults up to the age of 30, an indoor specialist play centre with childcare facilities, a community café, meeting spaces and outdoor garden.
Principal contractor, Compass Building and Construction Services, expects construction of the pioneering facility to last about 12 months.
The project is led by the Elsie Normington Foundation, set up in 2013.
Chairwoman Elsie Normington said the start of work marked a significant milestone in the journey to make the centre a reality.
"The Haven Centre is not only much-needed but will be life-changing for children and young adults with severe learning disabilities and their families," she said.
"To get to this stage is truly phenomenal and it would not be possible without the support of our generous fundraisers and donors and I would like to personally thank everyone who has helped us on our journey so far."
The project has received support from the Scottish Government, the National Lottery Community Fund and Highland Council.
Kate Still, Scotland chairwoman of the National Lottery Community Fund, said it was a landmark moment not just for the Elsie Normington Foundation, its partners and the local community but also for all the children, young people and families who would go on to benefit from the new community asset.
"National Lottery players can feel proud to know that money they raise by buying tickets will make an indelible mark on the lives of those with multiple and complex needs," she said.
"Through its work, this project will also increase employment and volunteering opportunities which will help the local community to thrive."
The pioneering centre is being built at a site in Murray Road previously occupied by Culloden Court Care Home which was destroyed by a blaze in 2010.
Politicians expressing their delight at the start of work include Kate Forbes, Scotland’s finance secretary and MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.
"I am absolutely delighted with the progress the Haven project has made, and getting a spade in the ground is the result of years of hard work, vision and leadership from the team," she said.
"I’m pleased that the Scottish Government has been able to provide significant funding to make this a reality – but all of the bake sales, wild swims and other fundraisers were just as critical in getting to this point.
"I recognise there’s still a little bit to go until the Haven is both built and fully operational but this is a significant and hugely welcome milestone and I congratulate everyone involved."
Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry also congratulated the foundation on the beginning of the construction of the centre.
"This project has been a long time in the making, and a lot of heart and soul has gone into getting it off the ground," he said.
"Once work is finished and the centre opens, this will be the first centre of its kind in the whole of Scotland.
"In the Highlands, we’ve long had a reputation for being caring and compassionate, and initiatives such as the Haven Centre speak to that.
"One of the lessons I think we’ve all learned during the pandemic is that respite from the stresses of our lives is incredibly important in today’s world, and it’s something we should embrace.
"As we recover and rebuild, it’s fantastic to see programmes with this message at the heart of what they do, like this one, brought to life."
Inverness and Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing praised the "determined and dedicated hard work" by all involved and said they should be extremely proud they had reached a momentous moment.
The centre will be run by the Elsie Normington Foundation in partnership with other service providers.
Key Community Supports will be the respite flat partner.
The foundation is also hoping to formalise arrangements in the coming months with Special Needs Action Project (SNAP) Inverness about the provision of play services for the specialist play centre
Donald Robertson, chairman of SNAP's board of trustees said: "SNAP is ready for this next stage in the evolution of the services we provide to children and young people with severe and complex needs in the Highlands and we look forward to working with the Elsie Normington Foundation."
Ongoing fundraising continues through the foundation to support operational costs and enhance services at the Haven Centre.
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