Finalised plans to develop Highlands' first multi-purpose centre for young people with additional needs to go on display
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With work now about to start on the long-awaited Haven Centre people are being invited to an open viewing to find out more about the £4.1 million project.
It will take place at Smithton Church between 1pm and 4pm on Wednesday when the designs will be on display.
The Haven Centre project, led by the Elsie Normington Foundation, 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.
It is being built at a site in Murray Road, Smithton, previously occupied by Culloden Court Care Home which was destroyed by a blaze in 2010.
Rona Matheson, community fundraiser for the Haven Appeal, said tomorrow’s event will be an opportunity for people to view and ask questions from those involved with its design and function.
“As a charity, we are so excited to be at this stage and ready to share with everyone what the specialist centre will look like and what facilities it will offer,” she said.
“We anticipate it will take a year to build and are urging people to join us on this journey.
“It will be an exciting preview for everyone who has contributed in so many ways through community fundraising, giving and sharing.”
Referring to the fire at the former care home, she said a fantastic specialist play centre would arise out of the ashes in 2023.
“Alongside the wonderful main building, it will also provide respite accommodation for families, an outdoor community garden and a community café,” she said.
“It is essential that the community becomes part of all that the Haven Centre will be from the start.
“We are especially keen to see parents and carers of young adults and children who have complex disabilities come along.
“This is going to be a Haven for you – a place of safety, fun and great socialising, things that are so lacking currently for you in our Highland community.”
The Elsie Normington Foundation was set up as a charity in May 2013 to raise funds to build the Haven Centre and last year reached its fundraising target.
The project has received support from the Scottish Government, the Big Lottery Fund and Highland Council plus donations from the public.
The project will support around 50 jobs during the construction phase.
