The Highland Council’s Corporate Resources Committee approves £250k funding for The Haven Centre

The Highland Council’s Corporate Resources Committee has approved £250,000 of capital funding towards a dedicated, multi-purpose facility in Inverness called The Haven Centre which will support children and young people, up to the age of 30, with multiple disabilities and complex needs.

The project, developed by The Elsie Normington Foundation (ENF) will comprise three two-bedroom respite flats, a Community Café, outdoor/indoor play centre with childcare facilities and several meeting spaces.  The new facility will be located on land owned by the Council in Murray Road, Smithton.

The Scottish Government confirmed on 18 March 2021 funding of up to £1.7m for the project, alongside other funding secured by the project including £1.1m from The National Lottery, the project has now secured full funding towards the estimated £4.1m capital project cost.

Chair of the Corporate Resources Committee, Cllr Jimmy Gray said: “The Council is delighted to support The Elsie Normington Foundation in their proposals to build this much needed facility in Inverness which will provide support to children and young people with multiple complex needs across the Highlands.”

He continued:  “We anticipate that the project will create 52 jobs during construction phase, and 19 full time and 11 part time through the day-to-day work of the Centre once it’s operational.  In addition, I am thrilled that further volunteering, training and work placement opportunities are also expected.” 

ENDS