A new £1 million care facility for young people is to be built by West Lothian Council in Whitburn.
Planning permission will be sought to deliver the new facility on land next to another care site, Torcroft House, Whitburn, after the site in Raeburn Crescent was approved as the preferred location by Council Executive this month.
The new residential house will provide services for children and young people and will replace Whitrigg House which is in East Whitburn.
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The project is being funded via the council’s Capital Investment Strategy which seeks to improve local facilities and assets.
Donald Forrest, Director of Finance, told the meeting that Whitrigg House no longer meets Care Inspectorate’s quality standards and a new purpose-built building will ensure young people can be cared for in a modern facility. He told the meeting the new build will cost £992,000.
Local councillor, Kirsteen Sullivan said: “I very much agreed with the need to replace Whitrigg and why Torcroft is the best option for its close proximity to amenities. I do welcome the comment that there has been been an engagement with the local community in the past and I’m hopeful that will continue.”
Jo MacPherson, Head of Social Policy, said: “Officers have considered a range of proposals and we have concluded that this option will deliver the best results for young people and reflects the needs of young people in the future.
“The new house will be ideally situated close to Torcroft House in Whitburn and will bring underutilised land back into use. This will enable staff to move easily between the two houses, ensuring the most efficient use of resources whilst delivering the best possible outcomes and care for the children being supported. The site is also close enough to amenities to enable those young people to feel part of the community.
“Whitrigg has served young people well over the years and it will continue to be used until the new facility is completed, which is estimated to be early in 2025.”
Anne McMillan, Executive councillor for Social Care, added: “I think this is a fantastic example of the council investing in the future needs of young people, most of whom are often in a vulnerable position and need support.
“This is a unique opportunity for enhanced operational and service benefits that no other site can offer. Co-location at Torcroft House will also offer opportunities for enhanced workforce training and development and the introduction of additional professional services to support young people.”
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