New Castle View Day Centre opens in Rotherham to support people with autism and learning disabilities
The new centre will replace services at Maple Avenue in Maltby and The Elliott Centre in Herringthorpe.
Rotherham Council has officially opened a new day centre in Canklow to support adults with learning disabilities, as part of the wider £11 million development.
The £6.4 million centre is made up of activity rooms, classrooms, a central reception cafe area, and a large area of gardens, including a sensory garden.
The new, modern building has been purpose-built to offer day opportunities in a safe, welcoming and fully accessible environment.
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Today council leader Chris Read, councillors, Mayor Haroon Rashid and developers gathered for the official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. Families are already taking part in activities at the day centre.
Councillor Joanna Baker-Rogers, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health at Rotherham Council, said: “This facility has been built and designed for people who have autism and learning disabilities. What makes it a very special place is that it has been designed with their input.
“It is an accessible facility with some fantastic therapeutic spaces, with the zen den, a sensory room, and outside there is a little sensory garden. I’m really pleased that the council is providing this direct support.”
Castle View has been built as part of the wider redevelopment on vacant land off Castle Avenue and Warden Street in Canklow, which also includes new supported accommodation and 15 new council homes.
Cllr Baker-Rogers said: “We want to make sure people can live well and as independently as possible, with the right support at the right time, and that’s exactly what this new centre and supported accommodation is here to do.”
In total, £11m has been invested into the site, which also includes 14 two-bedroom apartments along with a four-bedroom house for council rent, and a six-bedroom property which supports independent living for people with learning disabilities.
Cllr Linda Beresford, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “This is an important part of the work we’re doing to provide more high-quality council homes for our residents. We know there is strong demand for housing in Rotherham, and developments like this help us meet that need.
“These homes will be allocated to those in greatest need on our housing register, providing a safe, secure place to call home.”
Development of the site was undertaken by O&P Construction and started in October 2022.