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MacIntyre Submits Plans For Redevelopment Of Great Holm Site

Author: Louise Taylor

Published: 27th May 2012 14:58

The current site at Haddon The Milton Keynes based charity MacIntyre - leading provider of specialist services and support for people with learning disabilities and autism - has submitted plans for the redevelopment of its flagship site at Haddon, Great Holm.

Milton Keynes Council is being asked to approve a scheme which will see the facility transformed into a modern working and learning environment with additional facilities for people with more severe learning disabilities, as well as giving greater access to the new facilities for the community.

MacIntyre has been operating at Great Holm for nearly 25 years and is investing substantially in the project, which it says is vital to meeting the long-term needs of local people with a learning disability and autism.

The charity has its national headquarters in central MK and delivers services to over 150 people across the city, employing more than 250 staff.

The site at Great Holm is the organisation's main centre for lifelong learning activities and offers education, training and support on the site for over 100 people each week.

Wide public consultation has taken place, particularly with the local community, with which MacIntyre has long been well integrated.

"This is a big project so local people have been consulted and asked to let us know any concerns they may have, but I am pleased to say that overwhelmingly they have been very positive about our plans, " said Anna Perry, Head of Operations for Milton Keynes.

"We have taken every care with the design to ensure that the new building fits into the environment, retains its iconic features, meets modern operating requirements and standards and allows us to plan for future needs. Our consultation found that around 98% of people approved of the proposed design."

"We have also made sure that facilities such as the Moot Hall, around which the complex is built, becomes more useful to the community for their meetings, events and family celebrations," she added.

The Great Holm site is within the Milton Keynes Boundary and is allocated in the adopted Milton Keynes Local Plan as an area for community facilities. If planning approval is obtained, work could begin as early as September. It is expected to take a year to complete.

"The centre at Great Holm has served us well but we are now poised to move into an exciting new phase. This initiative means a great deal to all of us at MacIntyre and if planning approval is obtained, it will ensure we are best placed to meet the current and future needs of the people we support and mean that they receive the care and support they need to live happy, safe and fulfilled lives," Anna said.

The redevelopment and refurbishment programme includes:

• Part demolition and complete refurbishment of the Moot Hall to provide administration, training, education and care facilities
• Improved vehicle access and additional parking
• A plunge pool
• An extended bakery and coffee shop with outside terrace
• An extension providing specialist residential care accommodation for up to 6 people
• Lift access to all levels
• Landscaping
• High levels of sustainability, incorporating new technologies and design construction standards
• Energy efficient applications, including provision for electric vehicle charging available to the public

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