A Nottingham centre supporting people with disabilities and learning difficulties is ready to reopen after a £677,000 facelift.
The Martin Jackaman Centre, in Aspley has undergone a host of improvements, including extended hydrotherapy pool, refurbished changing rooms, a new roof and kitchen, reception, café and outdoor seating area.
It was officially opened by the Sheriff of Nottingham, Councillor Jackie Morris, and Councillor Alex Norris, the City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Adults, Commissioning and Health, on Tuesday, November 25.
The facility based in the Aspley part provides specialist care for people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities and aims to help them lead healthy, active and independent lives.
It opened two years ago and is named after Martin Jackaman, who grew up in Aspley and worked tirelessly to persuade developers to install Changing Places toilets in public buildings. These are specifically designed for disabled people who need extra help from a carer.
Mr Jackaman said: “A dedicated team of people has worked tremendously hard to get where we are today. With the pool extension, we’re opening up the centre for wider use by people who need hydrotherapy.
“I’m immensely proud to have been involved in the development of the centre, and I’m looking forward to seeing this incredible resource making a positive difference to the lives of people with special needs in Nottingham and their families for years to come.”
The refurbishment has been a partnership between Nottingham City Council, Nottingham City Homes, Keepmoat and Philip Best Design Ltd.
Steve Hale, Director of Property Services at Nottingham City Homes, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to support Nottingham City Council in the refurbishment of the Martin Jackaman Centre.
“We worked alongside our contractors to develop this fantastic facility and create a centre that works for all service users and visitors alike. It is now a modern building that provides an impressive resource to local people, and will continue to do so for many years to come.”
Philip Best, of Philip Best Design, who was involved in the refurbishment, said: “It has been a huge privilege to work on a progressive design scheme for the Martin Jackaman Centre. This has been such a worthwhile project to have worked on. I’m sure the new centre will make a real positive difference to all who use it in the future.”
Councillor Alex Norris said: “This is fantastic news and a project worthy of council support. The Martin Jackaman Centre is a great facility for hundreds of people across the city who rely on it for specialist support across a number of areas.
“The extended and refurbished pool will be able to help so many more users than before and I’m sure people will really enjoy coming along to such a vibrant and modern-looking building.”