A ceremony to mark work starting on site at the new Kingswood Children’s Locality Hub has taken place.
Councillors were joined by representatives from health and building contractors Wates to turn the first sod at the site, which is located behind the civic centre on Alma Road.
Once complete, South Gloucestershire Council, NHS South Gloucestershire and North Bristol NHS Trust will provide a range of services aimed at children and young people all located under the same roof and in the heart of the community.
These include education welfare, educational psychologists, family and parenting support workers, social workers, maternity services, school nurses, health visitors, some therapists and community paediatricians. The South Gloucestershire child and adolescent mental health service will also be based in the building.
South Gloucestershire Council is leading on the development of the locality hub and Cllr John Calway, leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: “The Kingswood Hub will bring a range of vital services for children and young people and their families under one roof, making it much easier to get targeted advice, help and care when it is needed. This partnership approach will ensure that our residents can access services when it is convenient to them.”
Dr Chris Payne, Director of Public Health for South Gloucestershire, said: “This is fantastic news for the people of Kingswood and is part of our work to bring services closer to local people. The hub will help professionals to work together in the most effective way, with the needs of families, children & young people as the focal point. We worked together to open a children’s hub in Yate earlier this year, where local people are reaping the benefits and I’m looking forward to seeing the same access to services in Kingswood.”
And Teresa Bailey, South Gloucestershire area health manager for North Bristol NHS Trust, added: “The Community Child Health Partnership, which is part of North Bristol NHS Trust is very much looking forward to moving into the Kingswood Hub. We will be bringing a range of services with us which will be far more accessible for residents.”
The building itself will use low and zero carbon technologies to make sure running costs are kept to a minimum and the design of the building is fully accessible for staff and visitors with disabilities.
Sean Franks, project manager Wates Construction, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with South Gloucestershire Council to help deliver the Locality Hub, bringing a range of vital community services together in a central location. In addition we will be working closely with local suppliers and the community to keep them informed of progress and to highlight opportunities for them during construction.”
Work is expected to be completed in time to open in autumn 2011.
Source: South Gloucestershire Council
