Former Derby youth centre could be demolished for care home extension

The former Merlin Youth Centre in Osmaston Road could be bulldozes for 30-bed care home extension

Plans to demolish a former Derby youth centre to make way for a 30-person care home extension have been submitted. Douglas Court Care Home on the corner of Douglas Street and Osmaston Road in Rose Hill has applied for a two-storey 30-bedroom extension to its facilities.

Application documents filed by the care home detail that a derelict former youth centre in Osmaston Road, which is currently boarded up and covered in graffiti, would be demolished to make way for the proposed extension. The former Merlin Youth Centre, also serving as a boxing club, has been closed for several years and lies in a state of significant disrepair.

A decision will be made by Derby City Council in the next few months. The extension would mean the care home can increase its capacity from 43 to 64 people and provide an extra 15 full-time equivalent jobs – totalling 50.

A report filed with the application details: “The proposed alterations and extensions will ensure the home is able to offer the purpose-built care home accommodation expected today, which will incorporate the latest requirements now considered essential for compliance with the care standards act, and that which is now expected of such facilities by all who use them.

“The proposed home will provide a secure and safe environment for residents of the local community, should they require this form of accommodation, in their later years. A dedicated secure garden area for use by the residents and families, along with a parking area is also included within the development.

“The care home will provide 24-hour care for its residents with nursing and dementia needs, whilst providing additional new employment for new staff members, who will largely be drawn from the local community. The proposed alterations and extensions have been designed to far exceed minimum space standards set by the regulating body, CQC.

“This will result in a high standard of living accommodation for all residents and allow for a high standard of care to be delivered. The provision of these enhanced facilities will ensure that it will provide a building fit for purpose, for many years to come and ensure that will give both the residents and staff a modern, bright and suitable environment in which to live and work.”

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