Apuldram Centre launches £1.5m modernisation bid

A hugely popular centre for adults with learning disabilities has revealed exciting £1.5m plans to modernise its home.
Apuldram clients and staff. View the plans on the Chichester District Council website AP/16/02056/FUL. Pictures by Kate Shemilt ks16000862-1Apuldram clients and staff. View the plans on the Chichester District Council website AP/16/02056/FUL. Pictures by Kate Shemilt ks16000862-1
Apuldram clients and staff. View the plans on the Chichester District Council website AP/16/02056/FUL. Pictures by Kate Shemilt ks16000862-1

The Apuldram Centre, located just south of Chichester, has submitted a planning application to upgrade its current site.

Rachel Aslet-Clark, general manager, said: “The Apuldram Centre site near Chichester Harbour provides a unique outdoor environment for our trainees throughout the warmer weather.

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“However we need to increase and upgrade our indoor capacity to ensure that we have quality facilities fit for all seasons.”

Members next to the new Lion sculpture at Apuldram. Kate Shemilt ks16000862-2 SUS-160725-193752008Members next to the new Lion sculpture at Apuldram. Kate Shemilt ks16000862-2 SUS-160725-193752008
Members next to the new Lion sculpture at Apuldram. Kate Shemilt ks16000862-2 SUS-160725-193752008

The redevelopment project consists of three unique phases, the most ambitious being the barn redevelopment.

The barn will be transformed from a cold and dark, asbestos roof agriculture building into a thriving environment that will have three dedicated workshops and a learning space, toilet and kitchen facilities and an upper floor mezzanine.

Additional phases include the creation of a hall and refurbishment of the common room, onsite shop and café facility and significant improvements to the toilet facilities.

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The charity has now embarked on an ambitious plan to raise the £1.5m it needs to cover the costs of the major renovation over the next five years.

Rachel said: “The public and local businesses can join us in making a difference in a variety of ways, every donation, whatever the size, can make a genuine difference to the adults with learning disabilities that we support.

“We are extremely keen to hear from local people who may wish to donate, fundraise on our behalf or work in partnership with us or simply want to find out more about the difference that our services make.”

The Apuldram Centre is an independent charity based at a rural day centre on the outskirts of Chichester, offering a range of adult social care activities like horticulture, sport and creative arts and crafts that enable it to support adults with learning disabilities.

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It also runs a Supported Living Service, supporting up to 30 adults to live independently across the Chichester area.

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