Elsie Normington Foundation awards contract to build pioneering Haven Centre for young people with complex needs in the Highlands to Compass Building and Construction Services
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Christmas has come early for supporters of an ambitious project to develop Scotland’s first multi-purpose centre for young people with learning disabilities and complex needs.
The contract to build the long-awaited Haven Centre in Inverness has now been awarded, paving the way for work to start on site in January.
Compass Building and Construction Services has been appointed by the Elsie Normington Foundation to lead the £4.1 million project at a site in Murray Road, Smithton.
Construction is expected to last about a year.
When complete, the centre 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.
Elsie Normington, chairwoman of the Elsie Normington Foundation, was delighted to have reached the significant milestone in the project after eight long years of fundraising.
“At the start of this year, our hopes were positive in order to reach this stage, so to be ending the year on this high is just a dream come true,” she said.
“The award of this contract marks a significant milestone in our journey to build the Haven Centre, which is not only much needed, but will be life-changing for children and young adults with severe learning disabilities and their families.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our generous fundraisers and donors, and I would like to personally thank everyone who has helped us in our journey so far.
“We are excited to get started on site and look forward to working with Compass Building and Construction Services on this innovative project in the new year.”
A delighted Thom Macleod, managing director of Compass Building and Construction Services, said as a local independent contractor, it was a significant award which would underpin local jobs and apprenticeships.
“We are well aware of the hard work that has been invested by the various board members and trustees over the years since the foundation was established through site identification, land assembly and fundraising efforts,” he said.
“The onset of the building works is simply another important step along the journey in the realisation of what will be modern, sector-leading and life-changing development for all users of the facility.
“Not only will the Haven Centre be a great facility for day use, but the provision of the respite housing element is a fantastic asset for the individuals, families and carers that will benefit from its construction.
“As a Highland-centred business, our involvement in the project sits well with our strong sense of corporate social responsibility, and we very much look forward to working closely with the foundation and their designers to play our part in delivering on the aims and aspirations of the client, their design team and other associated stakeholders.”
He said it was the latest in a series of awards strengthening the company’s association with the third sector through charity and community-led projects.
He added: “However, of greater importance is the positive contribution which construction of buildings will represent for the local community and the wider Highlands and Islands of Scotland.”
The project will support around 50 jobs during the construction phase.
The Elsie Normington Foundation was set up as a charity in May 2013 to raise funds to build the Haven Centre and earlier this year reached its fundraising target of £4 million.
The project has received support from the Scottish Government, the Big Lottery Fund and Highland Council.
Ongoing fundraising continues through the Elsie Normington Foundation to support operational costs and enhance services at the Haven Centre, which will address a shortage of accessible respite and services for children and young adults with severe, profound, and multiple learning disabilities and complex needs in the Highlands and Islands.
Pictures: Tea and tunes boost Haven cause
