Grimsby site once earmarked as potential hostel for asylum seekers could become 'care village'

                                               

New use beckons for former YMCA building off Peaks Lane

THE site of the former YMCA building in Grimsby could become a 'care village' for the elderly.

A plan has been revealed to convert the three-storey property off Peaks Lane to accommodation for staff, relatives and other visitors  while an additional building, to be constructed, would provide a care home of up to 80 bedrooms with some independent living provision.

It is understood the Home Office had previously run the rule over the property as a potential hostel for asylum seekers but the location was deemed unsuitable.

A report states:  "The buildings around the site are a varied mix of commercial, predominantly healthcare facilities, arranged in expansive landscaped grounds, with residential areas further to the north. 

"There are plenty of services locally including shops, entertainment, public houses and restaurants.

"The site has been identified to provide a care village, adjacent to the medical and care services off Peaks Lane which include a private hospital, palliative care, mental health services, children’s services and cancer care and other provisions, all within close proximity to residential areas for the provision of employment of local staff." 

It continues: "The proposed development would offer enhancements to the wider area including additional support to the adjacent amenities and creating much needed market affordable housing, in a prime, central location. 

"The proposed development shall include a 60-80 bed residential care home, an area dedicated to independent living accommodation, ideally  bungalows or serviced apartments and intermediate / close care accommodation and ancillary facilities. 

"The existing former YMCA accommodation shall be converted into serviced, short term lets / serviced accommodation, for contract workers, staff, relatives and other visitors to the facilities."

It concludes: "Towns such as Grimsby require high quality, elderly care provisions, and a new care village provide a variety of accommodation offering independence and a choice for older people in a sustainable location."

The identity of the applicant has not been revealed, but is believed to be a Durham-based company.

The proposal is currently under consideration by  planners at North East Lincolnshire Council.                                     

The sports hall on the left of the accommodation block is earmarked for demolition