The Cabinet of Worcestershire County Council met on Thursday, 26 March 2026, to discuss the future delivery location for residential replacement care provision for adults with learning disabilities. The meeting resulted in a recommendation to Council to approve additional funding for the refurbishment of Green Hill Lodge and to endorse the commencement of Phase 1 of the works.

Future Delivery Location for Residential Replacement Care Provision for Adults with Learning Disabilities

The Cabinet recommended to Council the additional use of up to £831,000 of existing Capital grant available for Community Capacity/Specialised Housing and £250,000 of the existing Capital Maintenance capital budget to fund the refurbishment costs for Green Hill Lodge. The recommendation also endorsed the commencement of Phase 1 (West Wing) to support the relocation of Worth Crescent, and authorised the commencement of Phase 2 (East Wing) to support the relocation of Pershore Short Breaks and Worcester Resource Centre, subject to Council agreeing the use of the grant funding.

The project aims to consolidate three existing service locations – Worth Crescent, Pershore Short Breaks, and Worcester Resource Centre – into a single, central site at Green Hill Lodge in Worcester. This move is intended to streamline operations, enhance service delivery, and provide improved facilities for adults with learning disabilities. The decision follows a business case approved in August 2025, which identified the need to relocate services from aging buildings that lack modern facilities and space.

The total estimated cost for the refurbishment of Green Hill Lodge is £1,575,000. This includes £220,000 for design and consultancy fees and strip-out costs already incurred, £650,000 for the refurbishment of Phase 1 (West Wing), and £705,000 for the refurbishment of Phase 2 (East Wing). The updated business case indicates that this option remains the most cost-effective, with lower forecast refurbishment and ongoing revenue costs compared to alternatives. It also maximises the potential capital receipt from the disposal of the three vacated premises.

The project is being phased to allow for the earliest possible commencement of works. Phase 1, the refurbishment of the West Wing, is progressing with existing funding within the Capital Programme, including £620,000 of allocated grant and £250,000 from the Property Capital Maintenance budget. This phase will enable the relocation of the service from Worth Crescent. Phase 2, the East Wing, which will accommodate services from Pershore Short Breaks and Worcester Resource Centre, requires additional funding to commence. While phasing incurs additional preliminary costs of approximately £46,000, this is offset by revenue savings from closing Worth Crescent sooner.

Consultation with service users, their families, and staff has been undertaken. SpeakEasy N.O.W. supported the consultation process to ensure the voices of service users were captured. While no significant concerns were raised, feedback focused on managing the change sensitively, concerns about the potential loss of valued staff, and transport arrangements.

The decision is considered a key decision and is subject to call-in. The Council has duties under the Care Act 2014, which requires needs assessments and service-user consultation, both of which have been carried out. The move is also expected to improve the overall service provision, increase resources such as technology and equipment, and enhance people's experiences by providing access to minibuses and improved facilities.

The report also detailed the legal, finance, human resources, and risk implications of the proposed move. Risks identified include potential anxiety for individuals and families due to delays, increased costs for maintaining aging buildings, potential staff recruitment and retention issues, and impacts on other services sharing premises. Mitigation strategies include clear communication, transition planning, and ensuring adequate funding.

Impact assessments have been conducted, including an Equality and Public Health Impact Assessment and an Environmental Sustainability Impact Assessment. These assessments identified potential positive and negative impacts on various protected characteristics, particularly concerning age and disability, and highlighted the need for accessible transport, age-appropriate facilities, and clear communication. The environmental assessment indicated that consolidating buildings would reduce resource consumption, and while transport needs would be reviewed, opportunities for sustainable travel would be considered.