Decision details

Bright Start Children’s Centre Services currently operate from Parkside Children Centre, Charlotte Street, Bath. The Social Care Family Intervention Team currently operates from 117 Newbridge Hill, Bath. Both services are located in buildings which are not suitable in the long term, both need significant investment in alterations and improvements so that they are suitable for future use.  Whilst the People & Community Directorate has looked at alternative options, capital funding to enable such developments has been limited.

The Cabinet Members agree:

• The proposal to relocate staff from Parkside Children’s Centre and 117 Newbridge Hill into one adapted premises in Charlotte Street, Bath.
• To approve £718k of the provisionally approved sum of £7.445 million in the 17/18 capital budget for Innovation Quay, to fund the refurbishment of accommodation in Charlotte Street.
• Approve the disposal of 117 Newbridge Hill to ADL, and to release the receipt in whole or in part to contribute to the Healthy Living Centre in Radstock.
• Approve the transfer of the Parkside site to the Place Directorate for incorporation into plans linked to Bath Quays regeneration. 

The current facilities for these two teams are not fit for longer term use and there is a benefit in bringing them together in a better building. 12 Charlotte Street is an ideal location.

Access to capital via the Bath Quays regeneration project enables this service co-location and enhancement.  It places both services on a sustainable footing. It also enables the release of a site providing a capital receipt to re-invest in improved integrated services for children and residents in Radstock and it supports the wider regeneration programme within the city.

An earlier proposal for the re-location of these services did explore the option of a different location/building outside of the City centre. Following consultation with services users and Members it was decided that the location was not suitable for many service users. The consultation process was fundamental in identifying the need to develop an alternative solution which is outlined in this document and the linked Single Member Decision.