Poole residents divided on plans to demolish adult centre

A public event was held by BCP Council last week for residents to ask them questions on plans to demolish Oakdale Adult Education Centre in Wimborne Road. 

Though no plans are formally in place, BCP Council hopes to build what is called extra-care housing – housing allows people to live in self-contained homes but there is support on site to provide care for residents and support with domestic tasks and offers social and community support. 

The meeting was held at Oakdale library

Read more: Poole adult learning centre could become extra-care housing

Oakdale resident Jeremy Thompson is against the idea. He said: “Yes, we understand there is a need for assisted living places, and I think a lot of us can appreciate that need. 

“But BCP Council are looking to completely take something away from the community and we are not getting anything in return, and all we're asking for is some facilities there that we can use as well.” 

Jane English said: We’re not against the scheme, we just don’t want to see community resources taken away with no plans to put anything else back in.  

“Oakdale is becoming a place you drive through, not a place you do anything in.” 

Image by BCP Council

Emma Hicks added: “It has the potential to be the heart of the community, to support families, have a community fridge, somewhere for the elderly to socialise and meet.  

“From a historical point of view, we don’t want to lose it too. It’s over 100 years old.” 

But not all residents were opposed to the scheme, including Roy Cousins who said: “There is the space for it. Extra care literally means that. Being right by the bus stop and by the play park means the location suits the elderly. They can watch the children play. 

Steve Hayes first objected to the scheme but has changed his mind. He said: “I was against it on the basis of we would lose the last community facility, but having had a chat with the officers I came away with the impression they are at the early stages of the consultation. 

“The officers are quite keen to incorporate a room which can be hired out to the community so on that basis I’m all for it.”