Unique Kidz Community Consultation
Morecambe based Charity Unique Kidz and Co is holding a community consultation to discuss the inspiring proposals that will transform their building and outside space.
HPA will lead the consultation evening on Wednesday May 24th at 6:30pm. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to share the proposed scheme and answer questions prior to the submission of a planning application, which we aim to submit in the Summer 2023.
The two-stage project first involves landscaping of the field adjacent to Acre Moss Lane in Morecambe. Alongside HPA, Unique Kidz Trustees have worked closely with Landscape Architect Laurel Truscott to include a cycle track, accessible play area, sensory gardens, growing gardens and two specialist lodges into the proposed landscape design. It is important to all involved that the new scheme fits seamlessly into the local environment.
The current building will be extended in the second stage of works and the internal layout will be organized, to allow for increased capacity and the ability to offer spaces such as sensory rooms, therapy suites and an accessible kitchen.
The charity currently has 187 disabled young people on their register. With their services close to capacity and an ever-growing waiting list, these developments will allow them to take on more disabled young people and provide more accessible spaces that not only they, but other local groups can also benefit from. Funding and support dependent, the project would roll out over the next five years.
“As an architect these are the projects you dream of creating. Our team have collaborated closely with Unique Kidz and we hope the new facilities will reflect the care and creativity that Unique Kidz bring to each of their activities and clubs. We hope the evening will create opportunities for more people to support our vision and learn about the charity and our considerations in the designs.”
Zoe Hooton, director at HPA Architects.
“This project has already been two years in the making, working with the fantastic HPA Architects to considerately bring our vision for our new Unique Kidz home to life. We are so excited to share our incredible plans with our friends, neighbours, and the wider community at our open consultation evening, and hope that we can progress them to get the additional, accessible spaces that our young people and community need as soon as possible.”
Jane Halpin Co-Founder and Trustee of Unique Kidz.
Unique Kidz provides afterschool, holiday and weekend clubs for children aged 5-19 with disabilities, daytime support, evening and weekend sessions for young adults aged 18-30 with disabilities, a stay and play group for children under five, and a siblings group for children over eight who have a disabled sibling. The charity employs 23 permanent members of staff and has a bank of casual staff who support them during the school holidays.
For anyone wishing to attend the community consultation, the event will be held at Unique Kidz & Co, Woodhill Lane, Morecambe, LA4 4NW on Wednesday 24th May from 6:30pm-8pm.
See more of HPA’s Community Projects: https://www.hpa.ltd/sectors/community/
