Proposals for new Devon Centre on show

A steady stream of guests came through the doors of the Alexander Centre last week to view proposals and plans for a new Devon Centre in Tavistock.

Members of the public spoke to officers and council members during the day to find out more about developing Abbey Rise for community use which will include the learning disability service and facilities for young people.

Facilities will be available at different times for other community groups who wish to provide community support services.

There will also be a Changing Places facility on site which is part of a national scheme designed to help people, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their carers to enjoy the day-to-day activities many of us take for granted by providing accessible toilets and changing facilities in a central location.

The lay-out of the building will incorporate open plan offices on the first floor, while the ground floor will provide improved facilities for a range of community activities, dedicated areas for people with learning disabilities, a contact suite for children in care, and the Changing Places facility.

There will also be a new, central entrance to provide easier access to services, a new outdoor area and space for a minibus. These plans are subject to planning permission.

Cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Health Services, Councillor Stuart Barker said; “We had a variety of visitors, including members from a youth group, service users, local council members, residents, parents & carers and staff all with plenty of questions. There was a lot of positive feedback with many people asking when work would start and clearly keen to see the new facility. We spoke to the local youth group about how they might be able to use the space so it was pleasing to hear so many positive comments and ideas.”

Local member for Tavisock, Debo Sellis said; “The open day was very well attended by a cross section of service users. During these times of severe austerity and cutbacks, Tavistock should rejoice in the fact the County and multi agencies are focusing in and investing in sustainable future provision for communities.”

People can find out more about the proposals here.

Should the planning application need to be determined by Devon County Council’s Development Management Committee, this would be scheduled to take place on 15 July. Following this, there will be a 21 day consultation period and if approved, it’s expected that the works will start on site in autumn 2014 and will take approximately 18 weeks.

If plans are approved and work begins in the autumn, all staff and services will need to move out of Abbey Rise in order for the work to be carried out with the minimum disruption and in the shortest