WORK on a Inverclyde’s new £10 million integrated community care hub in central Greenock has been completed.
The state-of-the-art facility will support adults with learning disabilities and other complex needs and has been built on the former Hector McNeil Baths site at Brachelston Street.
It has been designed to transform the way health, and social care services are delivered and represents a significant milestone in delivering modern, inclusive and person-centred care across Inverclyde to replace the traditional learning disability day service model.
The purpose-built facility has been delivered by Inverclyde Council for use by the health and social care partnership (HSCP) and replaces the Fitzgerald Centre and former McPherson Centre.
The Hub offers a wide range of therapeutic and support services within a single, integrated space. These include specialist areas for rebound therapy, immersive therapy and physiotherapy, alongside life skills facilities that will support individuals to develop independence in areas such as cooking and daily living.
The service will, however, continue to make best use of resources and facilities in the broader community to promote independence.
Councillor Stephen McCabe, leader of Inverclyde Council, said: “The new Inverclyde Integrated Community Hub looks incredible inside and out but, more importantly, marks a significant step forward in how services are delivered for our communities and reflects the HSCP’s ongoing commitment to partnership and innovation.
“This facility has been designed with and for the people who will use it, and it will enable staff to provide more integrated, responsive and person-centred support.
“It’s a fantastic investment in the community for the benefit of service users, staff and partners and I look forward to seeing the positive difference it will make.”
Staff and service users are currently setting up in the building and, once services are fully established, a programme of open days and engagement events will be held to welcome families, carers and the wider community into the new space.
Councillor Francesca Brennan, vice-chair of the Inverclyde Integration Joint Board (IJB), the organisation which manages Inverclyde HSCP on behalf of the council and health board, said: “The building itself is stunning and has been carefully designed inside and out with first-class facilities to cater for the needs of service users and staff to ensure they receive high-quality care right on their doorstep.
“The completion of The Hub is a milestone moment in the modernisation of how services are delivered and delivered in a more collaborative way with other services and partner organisations.
“The biggest thing for me is that this stunning new facility and the significant investment demonstrates to service users and their families that they are valued and that we want the very best for them.”
The building has been thoughtfully designed to promote wellbeing, with many spaces offering direct access to outdoor areas to support therapeutic horticulture and the benefits of time spent outdoors.
A dedicated autism-friendly zone, with a separate entrance, has also been developed to provide a calmer, more accessible environment for individuals who require it.
Service users, parents, carers and wider stakeholders have played a central role in shaping the design of the Hub, ensuring that it reflects their needs, priorities and aspirations.
This collaborative approach will continue as the service evolves, supporting ongoing improvement and development.
The Hub brings together Day Opportunities services and the Community Learning Disability Team into one location, strengthening integration, collaboration and the overall quality of support provided.
The facility is currently supporting 36 people and has capacity for up to 50.
The new building was funded by Inverclyde Council and the IJB and supported by a £990,000 grant from the Scottish Government Low Carbon Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP).
The project was led by the council alongside development partner hub West Scotland with construction carried out by main contractor Ogilvie Construction and the building designed by architects Holmes Miller.
An official opening will be arranged at a later date.
