Work starts at £5m Worksop family centre

Work to build a vital new centre for vulnerable children and young adults is now underway in Nottinghamshire, contractors say.

The new purpose-built family contact centre on Newgate Street in Worksop will provide an improved setting for supervised contact visits, safeguarding and educational services, and will include private contact rooms, two conference rooms, kitchen facilities and a secure outdoor play area.

Contractor GF Tomlinson started work on the scheme this summer, with an estimated completion date of summer 2026. Planning permission for the scheme was approved in 2022.

“The new facility will not only provide a safe, secure, and comfortable space for children and families, but it’s also being constructed with energy-efficiency and long-term sustainability in mind,” said Andy Sewards, group chairman at GF Tomlinson.

“As a local contractor, we are equally pleased to be providing social value initiatives within the community and employment and apprenticeship opportunities for young people, helping develop future talent in the local construction industry.”

The new facility is being designed, project, and cost managed by Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and public-sector procurement organisation SCAPE.

The development will replace three residential bungalows which are currently used as the contact centre, which Nottinghamshire County Council says “do not best support the needs” of families and young people using council services.

Landscaping and car parking will also be included in the scheme.

“Supporting the most vulnerable children, young people and families in our communities is a key priority so we need to have the right facilities in place to help us do this,” said Councillor Mick Barton, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council.

“The current bungalows being used to deliver these front-line services are old, in need of repairs and just not suitable anymore. This is why this new, fit-for-purpose building is vital as it will provide a welcoming, calm environment with a secure play area. And it’s only a stone’s throw away from the current location.

“We’ll also be saving money on energy bills thanks to the way this building has been designed.

“This investment is also good news for the local supply chain, as they’ll be many contract opportunities to help get the building fully ready.”