A BUSINESS case is due to be prepared for the creation of a new adult learning centre and up to 60 homes in Poole.

Members of the council’s cabinet will meet on Tuesday, January 8, to discuss a number of options for replacing the existing “deteriorating” Oakdale Centre with a new Adult Skills Academy.

There is a backlog of essential maintenance on the building, and the council faces a £500,000 bill over the next five years if nothing is done to replace the facility.

An outline business case has been drawn up, which includes three options for the learning centre’s future. These are outlined in a report to the cabinet by Kevin McErlane, head of culture and community.

The first option involves building a new centre and approximately 60 homes on two adjoining sites. This is the preferred plan, however it currently entails a potential funding gap of up to £6.2m.

The second option involves refurbishing and extending the centre and building around 28 homes.

The third option involves carrying out essential maintenance, but would involve investing “substantial sums in a short-term fix for a building that is at the end of its useful life”.

The Oakdale Centre is the busiest site operated by the Skills and Learning service, which provides training and learning opportunities for over 5,600 people in Dorset and is funded by a national grant.

Over 1,500 people use the Oakdale Centre, which is the service headquarters.

The Oakdale Residents Community Association (ORCA) currently occupy an office, storage area and part-time community café within the main building.

Cabinet members will consider the options in the outline business case at their meeting and approve a budget of £200,000 to develop a full business case for the preferred proposal.

This will then be considered by the new Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council.

Summing up the benefits of the first option in his report, Mr McErlane said it provided the “greater long-term overall benefits and value for money” and “delivers the opportunity to provide a modern, fit-for-purpose Adult Skills Academy”.

It also involves more homes being built to meet local need, he said.