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Construction has started on a new £6 million multi-purpose short-break care centre in Scunthorpe.

The facility, for North Lincolnshire Council and backed by the Department for Education, is designed to support local young people who have complex disabilities, and their families, by offering access to opportunities and bespoke support.

Hull-based Hobson and Porter is delivering the project on the site of a former community wellbeing hub in Alvingham Road, which was demolished earlier this year. The single storey building will include multiple sensory rooms, dining and lounge areas, staff bedrooms, 13 specialist accessible residential bedrooms for children with complex needs, accessible kitchens and bathrooms, a medical room, administrative spaces and family rooms. The centre will also feature gardens and outdoor spaces for staff, residents and their families. Work is due to complete in spring 2023.

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Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “With Government support, we are investing millions of pounds of local taxpayers’ money in people supporting our most vulnerable children.

“We know how vital it is to local families that their children have access to this brilliant support here in North Lincolnshire rather than going out of the area. It ensures they can stay safe and connected in their own community.”

In addition to offering care to children with complex needs, young people using the new facility will be able to participate in a wide range of activities that will help them build life skills. The centre will be the new home of Cygnets, which currently offers these services in the area, and was recently rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Joe Booth, business development director from Hobson & Porter, said: “This is a significant contract for Hobson & Porter and further strengthens our position in the health and social care sector.