A decision has been made to relocate Wokingham borough council’s physical disabilities day service from Westmead Day Centre to the newly built Matthewsgreen Community Centre this autumn.
The move will allow the council and Optalis, which runs the service, to continue supporting people with physical disabilities in a modern, accessible building that better reflects the way service is used today.
Matthewsgreen is a bright, welcoming centre located just six minutes from Westmead, with ample space for activities, a fully accessible kitchen with height-adjustable worktops, and a Changing Places toilet with hoist facilities.
The decision follows a detailed review of Westmead, which has been in use since 1993 and is now in a state of significant disrepair.
The building requires extensive upgrades, including asbestos removal, boiler replacement and electrical improvements, with estimated costs starting at £250,000.
Alongside a decline in attendance and a shift towards more community-based services, continuing to invest in Westmead was not considered a responsible use of public funds.
The council and Optalis have made sure attendees play an active role in shaping their sessions by choosing the activities they take part in, identifying the equipment they need, and exploring ways to use local community spaces to enrich their experience.
Cllr David Hare, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services, said: “This move gives us the opportunity to continue delivering a high-quality service in a more suitable and accessible environment. It’s been shaped by the people who use it, and we’re committed to making sure the transition is smooth and beneficial for everyone involved.”
Helen Woodland, Optalis CEO added: “We know how important this service is to the people who use it, many people we support have been attending for years and have built strong friendships and routines.
“This move is about continuing to provide the vital support they rely on, in a space that can offer high-quality experiences and new opportunities.
“We’re working closely with each person to make sure the new centre feels just as welcoming and familiar.”
The council will manage the Matthewsgreen site in the short term and will go out to tender for a long-term management partner in due course.
Once the service has moved, the Westmead site will be sold. Selling the site will allow the council to reinvest funds into vital public services like care for adults and children including support for older people, disabled adults and children with special educational needs.
The council continues to lobby the government for a fairer funding deal, as it remains the lowest-funded unitary authority per resident in the country.
