Plans for a new purpose-build 40-bed centre in York to support people with acquired brain injury (ABI) have been revealed.
The Disabilities Trust has unveiled plans for a new centre with four wards and step-down flats to support service users in gaining greater independence.
The charity, which supports people across the UK with a host of disabilities, has operated an ABI service in York for over 20 years. However, its home to date, The Retreat, on Heslington Road, is being forced to close – but its new plans would ensure The Disabilities Trust is able to retain its services in the city.
The development of the site – which to the south of York’s iconic The Residence at the Chocolate Works, regenerating the site of its traditional chocolate factories – into an ABI centre would also help to safeguard around 145 mental health jobs.
In addition to the building, which would house 40 beds, space for internal courtyards for therapeutic benefit and 50 parking spaces and bicycle racks would also be created.
“We are excited to share draft plans which would transfer our existing Acquired Brain Injuries hospital to The Chocolate Works. This area has many benefits which would offer a therapeutic environment for our patients whilst remaining within a central location in York,” says Bill Chidgey, director of corporate services at The Disabilities Trust.
“We are proud to be part of York’s heritage of mental health provision, so with our current service required to move from The Retreat, our priority is to remain in York so we can retain our workforce and minimise disruption to our existing service users.
“We look forward to building strong ties with local residents through this process and welcome all feedback as the plans come together”.
Tom Wheldon, director and head of region at HBD, adds: “We are pleased to be able to partner with The Disabilities Trust to deliver a purpose-built healthcare facility that will deliver such significant public benefit and allow the retention of a vital mental health service in York.
“The project is minimal in height and massing and sensitive to its heritage setting, would produce low levels of car movements, has no impact on local GP services and fulfils the mixed-use requirement of the wider site.
“That being said, we are keen that the submitted plans are fully considerate of the priorities of our local residents and encourage responses to the upcoming consultation.”
A public consultation has been launched on the plans, which will conclude on Monday, July 5th.
The Disabilities Trust is partnering with HBD on the project, and the project team also includes planning consultants JLL and architecture practice Jefferson Sheard.
