The end is in sight for work on Kirklees’ new dementia day care facility at Knowl Park House in Mirfield, as the council issues an update.
The centre, set to open in Autumn, is designed to give users “maximum flexibility” and be “fully inclusive”. It will cater for up to 30 people each day from Monday to Friday and will incorporate the latest assistive technology.
The site will be set out across different zones, with an ‘activity zone’ featuring a large arts and crafts room and a ‘wellbeing zone’ including a cinema and spa. On top of this, a ‘home therapy zone’ will include a “homely” open plan lounge, dining and kitchen area.
Each of these areas will lead to outdoor spaces – some with a greenhouse, potting shed and raised beds, and another, with an exercise area and water feature.
Kirklees Council says that all doors have been fitted and external lighting installed. Now, new furniture is being brought into the centre and indoor lights put in, including specialist lighting in the cinema room.
Outdoors, soft landscaping is in progress ready for plants and flowers to be planted, and the resin surface has been laid for footpaths in the courtyard.
Still to come is the installation of acoustic timber panels to help dampen the sound in potentially noisy areas like reception as people living with dementia can be sensitive to loud noises. Any outstanding mechanical and electrical systems works will also be completed.
