Poole adult learning centre could become extra-care housing

BCP Council are looking for architects to produce detailed designs for an extra-care housing scheme in Wimborne Road, Oakdale. 

Extra-care housing allows people to live in self-contained homes but there is support on site to provide care for residents and support with domestic tasks and offers social and community support. 

Image by BCP Council

Currently, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have a limited number of extra care houses despite an ever-aging population. 

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “We believe that the Oakdale site is a great location to provide this type of home.  

“It is close to many local shops and services including a library, GP service, hairdressers and pharmacy. 

“We are at the very early stages of this project and would like to keep residents informed of the current plans and invite them to ask us any questions that they have at this stage.” 

BCP Council are holding a drop-in event at Oakdale library on Wednesday, July 27 between 3.45pm and 6.45pm for residents to ask questions. 

Image by BCP Council

Read more: Oakdale Adult Learning Centre to be rebuilt

Oakdale Adult Learning Centre was deemed no longer fit for purpose back in 2018, when the Borough of Poole (before BCP) said it required almost £1 million to renovate it so that it was a safe facility. 

The following year it was agreed the cost of a new centre was not affordable and a new building should be built at another location (at the Dolphin Centre) and the vacant site should be used for housing. 

After the pandemic delayed refurbishment work at the Dolphin Centre, work finally continued this year and the new learning centre is scheduled to open in September. 

As for the vacant site, it is predicted an architect will be found for the new buildings this month after public consultation and work is hoping to start in the spring, subject to planning application approval. 

If running smoothly, a completion date of winter 2025 has been drafted.