9th July 2019
Plans for a multi-million-pound investment in a valued community service run by Bolton Cares have been unveiled by Bolton Council.
Thank you to all of those who took part in the consultation. Elected members listened to your views and the council is set to approve proposals for a new state-of-the-art day centre and community pool on the site of the former Firwood School off Crompton Way.
A £5m budget has been set aside for the project, which will serve as a successor to the Jubilee Centre.
The existing centre, which delivers day services for disabled adults, was built in 1983 and the building is showing significant signs of age.
The decision to relocate was made after a study revealed the Jubilee Centre could not be rebuilt in its current location on Tennyson Street without both disrupting the day service and restricting access to the pool.
People who use the service, carers and volunteers were asked for their views on two alternative sites during a public consultation.
Respondents agreed that the Firwood site would be more accessible for residents across the borough and have improved car parking facilities.
As well as the new pool and day centre, the council will also consider broader plans for the future of the council owned Firwood site.
These proposals include adding a special school and integrated care facilities to create a campus style all-age hub.
We know how popular the day centre and community pool are with service users. This major investment will allow us to upgrade to a new state-of-the art facility without construction work disrupting services at the Jubilee Centre in the meantime. In the future we want to use the extra space at the Firwood site to develop an all age hub, creating a one-stop shop for children, families and adults living with disabilities. The hub would provide fully-integrated care and support in the local community to help people live independent and fulfilling lives. This is a really exciting development and will ensure that the service will be fit for purpose for many years to come, providing current and future users with facilities that they rightly deserve.
Cllr Andy Morgan
Executive Cabinet Member for Adult Services
Bolton Council
We’re delighted with the news that there is a commitment to build a new modern facility for the people who currently use our Jubilee Centre and the wider community. We also look forward to the other developments planned for the site to help people live enriched and independent lives.
John Livesey
Chief Executive
Bolton Cares
Recommendations on the future of the day service and community pool will be considered by the executive cabinet member at a meeting on July 8.
Who should I talk to if I have any concerns?
You can talk to the centre manager, Dawn Atherton on 01204 331207 or dawn.atherton@boltoncares.org.uk, or Karen Wolstenhomne, Operations Manager. You can email her on karen.wolstenholme@boltoncares.org.uk.