Plans are being drawn-up to build a new home for Dorset children.
The new home in Weymouth will give up to five Dorset children a better and more secure start in life.
The new building will be an asset to Dorchester Road. It will be designed to complement the area’s existing Edwardian architecture. Professionally designed landscaping and planting will also greatly improve the site.
Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Years, said: “We are hoping that this new home will give local children a better start in life. It will also be an asset to the local neighbourhood.
“Dorset children need to grow up and be cared for in Dorset. Some children aren’t able to live with their families and have to be cared for by the council.
“A shortage of accommodation means some of these children currently have to leave their schools, their friends and everything they know and be placed in care far away. This is not good enough for them and it is also very expensive, as it involves sending money out of our county rather than investing in skilled jobs locally.”
Under the plans, a new home would be built in the grounds of 45 Dorchester Road in Weymouth. The existing building would also be improved and transformed into a centre to help children as they first come into care.
A team of dedicated professional staff would be based at the centre to provide the support and care that Dorset children and their families need. This includes assessing children’s needs with the aim of either reuniting them with their family or helping them to begin a new life with a foster family.
A planning application will be submitted shortly. If the proposals go-ahead the project could be completed in the winter of 2021.
More information?
Dorset Council will be hosting a live online Q&A session about the project on 1 July from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. Everyone is welcome to join in and you can book a free place (and keep up-to-date with the project). Comments can also be emailed by 3 July please to: [email protected]
