Published on Tuesday 05 September 2023
Proposals by BCP Council to create a supported housing complex are moving forward at the former site of the Adult Education Service in Oakdale, Poole.
Extra-care housingwill provide a significant number of self-contained homes for vulnerable and ageing residents. The complex will offer care and support on site, helping people live independently for as long as possible.
Work is being prepared to make the site safe, which has been targeted by anti-social behaviour (ASB) and vandalism. This includes submitting an application for the demolition of two portacabins. These temporary structures were already old and vulnerable, and sustained vandalism has made them a serious health and safety risk to the local community. Once the application is approved, the demolition will take place in the autumn.
BCP Council has also increased the security measures on-site for the old school building to help reduce any further health and safety risk associated with this building.
Councillor Kieron Wilson, Portfolio holder for Housing and Regulatory Services said:
"It is encouraging that plans for Extra Care housing at Oakdale are progressing, which will be a valuable resource for our residents most in need, providing social and community support.
"We want to make the area of the former Adult Education Service in Oakdale safe for our residents. Therefore, our priority is to clear the area of the two unsafe portacabins and increase security across the site.
"We look forward to having a revitalised area in Oakdale."
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole currently have a limited number of extra-care housing schemes and with an ageing population more of these types of homes are needed in the local area.
BCP Council will soon commission an architect for design work for the site which will be shared and consulted with residents in future months.
Ends
Extra care housing scheme offers way for people to live as independently as possible. Find out more: Extra care housing (bcpcouncil.gov.uk)
BCP Housing Delivery Team consulted with residents last August Oakdale Adult Education Centre site | Have Your Say Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (bcpcouncil.gov.uk) and through a couple of drop-in sessions at the Oakdale Library to discuss the proposal of Extra-care housing for the site and a facility for community space.
The Adult Education Service relocated to the Dolphin Centre in Poole in 2022.