Work begins on £5.1 million accessible children’s centre in Gloucester

A new “state-of-the-art” centre, which is set to provide inclusive exercise, sports and leisure facilities for disabled people, is being built in the grounds of The Milestone School in Longlevens, Gloucester.

The Chamwell Centre Charity has appointed building contractor Speller Metcalfe to deliver the multi-million-pound facility, with aims of supporting disabled children and adults across the county, as well as pupils in the school.

According to Speller Metcalfe, construction will start in the next few weeks and is scheduled to be completed by early 2020.

Called ‘The Chamwell Centre,’ the new facility will feature a full-sized hydrotherapy pool, climbing wall, trampolining gym and indoor and outdoor play areas. There will also be an accessible two-storey therapeutic soft play and sensory room, which will provide visitors with opportunities to exercise through play.

Additionally, specialist medical facilities at the centre will include consultation rooms for visiting doctors and nurses and a physiotherapy and occupational therapy suite. A large, two-storey atrium, café and informal meeting and social spaces will be available for community use, including a Changing Places bathroom to ensure disabled visitors’ needs are catered for.

Speller Metcalfe has extensive experience in delivering accessible, extra-care facilities, with a portfolio including a student accommodation block for young people with disabilities, which was awarded the title of ‘West of England’s Most Inclusive Building.’

Joint-Owner of Speller Metcalfe Andy Metcalfe said: “Speller Metcalfe are delighted to be working on this fantastic project to realise The Chamwell Centre Charity’s vision of a ground-breaking, fully inclusive facility which is set to support the needs and transform the lives of disabled adults and children across Gloucestershire.”

A fundraising appeal to support the project was launched by the charity in October 2016 and has received almost £4 million of the £5.1 million total build cost to date.

Chair of The Chamwell Centre Charity Trustees Dr Marie Owen commented: “The charity very much looks forward to working closely with the Speller Metcalfe team in achieving our vision to enhance the well-being of all those with disability by providing opportunities to improve physical fitness, to access a range of therapies, sports and leisure activities, and to increase social opportunities within The Chamwell Centre.”