FINAL designs for Heathlands care home have been unveiled as the proposals move one step closer to reality.
Healthcare bosses want to knock down the existing care home and day centre on Crossfell in Wildridings, which has been closed since February 2016 as the buildings “did not meet modern standards”.
The re-developed site will include 66 one-person bedrooms and a range of other new features designed to support those with physical, sensory and cognitive impairments.
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Should planning permission for the site be granted, Heathlands will be divided into three zones with a west wing, east wing and a central communal space.
Living and dining areas are located on the south side at the ground, first and second floors to maximise daylight and views towards Mill Pond.
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Bedrooms are situated on the first three storeys, with 23 planned for both the ground floor and the first floor, and 20 on the third floor.
Each bedroom has a recessed doorway to allow for a direct view of the toilet, which is said to be a key feature to support people living with dementia, and rooms are large enough to allow for mobile hoists and wheelchairs.
All common stairs will have dimensions suited for ambulant disabled people and will be tonally contrasted for the visually impaired.
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The new care home will have two communal gardens with “distinctively different identities” designed to sustain residents’ independence for longer.
On the south side of the plot, a therapeutic garden features a patio, an area for exercise, gardening activities and sensory plants.
The northern garden has a “more natural feel” and provides longer walking routes for residents, staff and visitors.
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More than 60 jobs could be created at the care home, which would have 41 car parking spaces for staff and visitors.
Designers have now submitted their plans to Bracknell Forest Council planning chiefs, asking for planning permission in a document which read: “Heathlands Dementia Care Home and Intermediate Unit will cater for older people who are frail and have greater care needs requiring 24/7 care.
“It will create a successful older people’s community that can positively contribute to its surroundings and Bracknell in general.”
Redeveloping Heathlands is a multi-million-pound project jointly funded by Bracknell Forest Council and East Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Group.
The former is expected to contribute £7 million towards the scheme, with the latter adding another £3 million.
Heathlands’ former care home shut down more than three years as the dilapidated building meant the “cost of operating the care home (was) unsustainable”.
BFC’s top team approved the financial case for the redevelopment in March 2019 after giving initial outlines the green light in February 2017.
At a meeting in September 2019, BFC’s social care boss Cllr Dale Birch said he expected the planning committee to vote on the proposals in February 2020.
Plans are currently pending consideration.
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