Merton Council has unveiled plans to transform an outdated day centre for adults with learning disabilities into a cutting-edge complex, but the project is expected to cost more than initially anticipated. The council will collaborate with a housing association to revamp the current site, which houses the Jan Malinowski Centre (JMC) in Mitcham, and construct 21 supported living homes along with 60 general-use homes. The existing JMC serves as a day centre for individuals with learning disabilities, catering to those with complex needs who require higher levels of support. However, the council has emphasized that the current facility is no longer suitable for its intended purpose and highlighted the importance of upgrading and modernizing services for individuals with learning disabilities in the borough, as well as meeting the growing demand for supported living accommodations.
If the proposed plans receive approval, the revamped day centre will be constructed on the site of the current JMC, offering residents a modern and energy-efficient facility. The addition of 21 new supported living homes, in conjunction with enhanced disability services at the new location, is a key aspect of the council’s vision. Furthermore, 60 general needs homes will be built on the site, with the council retaining nomination rights over all properties. These new homes will replace the now-defunct Riverside Drive residential home, with the council working closely with former residents and their families to facilitate a smooth transition to equivalent accommodations. Recognizing the escalating demand for supported living homes across the borough, the council aims to address this need while also striving to deliver 400 new affordable housing units within the community.
The ownership of the JMC site on Riverside Drive is currently shared between Merton Council and the Wandle Housing Association (WHA), with Merton overseeing the majority of the buildings and land on the site. Under the proposed plans, the council will enter into a Development Management Services Agreement (DMA) with WHA, tasking the housing association with managing and executing the redevelopment project to completion. Both parties will jointly procure a construction partner for the project, with WHA assuming most of the costs associated with the redevelopment following the transfer of land ownership from Merton. However, expenses will be divided between the two entities, and during a recent Cabinet meeting, council members were informed that the projected costs have more than doubled from the original estimate of £9.8 million, approved in 2022.
The budget increase is attributed to the development of detailed designs for the facilities, providing a clearer understanding of the project’s financial requirements. Additionally, escalating construction costs due to factors such as global conflicts and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to the heightened expenses. Despite the budget adjustments, Councillor Peter McCabe assured his colleagues that the redevelopment would offer good value for money, emphasizing the benefits of retaining residents within the borough rather than relocating them elsewhere. The new development aligns with the council’s newly established Local Plan, which prioritizes energy efficiency and affordable housing provisions in all residential and commercial planning decisions.
Councillor McCabe expressed satisfaction with the progress of the new day centre and supported living units at the JMC site, highlighting the collaborative design process to ensure a conducive environment for residents and staff to thrive. The supported living accommodations are designed to meet the highest standards in design and facilities, offering individuals more options to reside in or return to the borough in close proximity to their families and community resources. Councillor Andrew Judge, responsible for Housing and Sustainable Development, welcomed the plans for constructing new supported living units as part of the council’s initiative to deliver 400 new council homes, addressing the increasing demand for affordable housing in the area. The development exemplifies the implementation of the Local Plan’s stringent standards in design, energy efficiency, and provision of affordable homes for local residents.
Anne Waterhouse, Chief Executive of WHA, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Merton Council and the Greater London Authority to deliver 80 new affordable homes as part of the Hidden Homes project. The collaboration aims to repurpose and redevelop existing housing schemes to offer affordable and supported living accommodations, in addition to the day centre, contributing to the community’s housing needs. WHA is committed to supporting Merton Council’s housing ambitions by alleviating the local housing crisis and providing homes for individuals across south London. This joint effort underscores the commitment to enhancing housing options and meeting the diverse needs of residents in the borough.
