A £1,034,075 project to construct a brand new child care facility in Dumfries is nearing completion.
Situated on Hardthorn Road, the project comprises the construction of a house and private garden to provide residential childcare accommodation for the local community. In addition adequate parking for both staff and visitors is also being included as part of the scheme.
The project is being implemented by Dumfries and Galloway Council and is designed to address the current lack of child care facilities within the local area. A topping out ceremony took place on the site on 1st November, and the project is scheduled to reach completion in December 2012.
Director of Social Work Services, John Alexander, said:
“Seeking the right location and going through the proper process has taken time. The location and the building have to feel like a real home. It is very satisfying to see all that hard work come to fruition and the project team are to be congratulated for their hard work and commitment.
“The centre will house four young people. Once the centre is up and running next year we will start to see real benefits for the young people in our care and their communities.”
Chair of Social Work Services, Councillor Andy Ferguson, added:
“Our Council realised a number of years ago that the best environment for our children was close to home. Those in need of our care also need continuity in their education and support from family and friends.
“Whilst we also benefit in providing this service at less cost than by placing children in agency homes, the most important thing is that we provide a proper home for those in our care.”
Work began on the Hardthorn Road Care facility in May 2012. DG First and Dumfries and Galloway Council are the main contractors on the project, whilst DG Design and Dumfries and Galloway Council are the architects.
The 433m² building has been built from a timber frame construction with isolated steel beams and columns and includes white UPVC windows and a natural slate roof. The external facade of the structure features a mix of red facing brick, white wet dash render and stained and treated timber cladding.
The internal layout of the new facility includes four en-suite bedrooms, a quiet room, a lounge, a kitchen/diner, a utility area, a games room and a workshop and garage. Additional features of the building include a manager’s office, a guest bedroom, a bathroom and a lift.
Safety features of the building include a sprinkler system and a fire escape, whilst energy saving features of the development include a condensed gas boiler and low energy lighting.
External work on the site comprises 4040m² of landscaped gardens, including a vegetable plot, shrub planters, trees, hedges and timber fencing. Hard landscaping on the project incorporates a tarmac drive, a parking area, paved footpaths and associated gravel paths.
