FAQs
Why is the Adult Education Centre moving?
The future of the centre has previously been discussed by the Borough of Poole Council because of the deteriorating condition of the AEC building. The building was no longer fit for purpose and required almost £1 million to renovate it so that it was a safe facility. BCP Council can not afford to re build the facility and has agreed that the service should move to the Dolphin Centre in the Town Centre.
Will there be opportunity for the local community to have their say on the plans for the site?
Yes, although we've decided that we want to use the site for extra care housing we will be asking residents for their views and ideas about what the site look and feels like at a later stage once we have received some draft plans.
What area of land is included in this site for development?
The site comprises of 1.89 acres and is in within Learning and Non-Residential Institutions (F1 Use Class). It contains parcels of land split by Darby’s Lane, with the large site (Site A) adjoining Wimborne Road, containing the main Oakdale Adult Education Service and the smaller site (Site B) containing temporary classrooms and car park.
What work has already been undertaken on the site?
A number of investigative surveys have now been carried out on the site such a topographical, arboriculture, ecological and groundwork investigation work however the groundwork investigation are not yet complete.
Work has been commenced by legal services to provide up-to-date reports on title and detailed utility plans have been obtained. All of this will contribute towards informing the design work.
Why is extra-care housing being considered for the site?
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area currently has a limited number of extra care housing settings and we need to provide more for our growing older population.
By developing extra care housing it may free up larger residential properties elsewhere in the community for persons/ families to wishing purchase this type of accommodation on the open housing market. Some households currently live in properties that they may feel are too large for them and wish to downsize into smaller accommodation or accommodation with extra support – just like this. This new development will allow movement in the local housing market which will likely benefit lots of people.