An investment of almost £1.5 million has been sanctioned to modernise day-care services for Poole’s most vulnerable residents.

Borough of Poole aims to remodel the Sea View Centre in Parkstone to provide day care services for adults with physical and learning disabilities.

The £1.472m project will enable the council to upgrade facilities at Sea View and improve access for wheelchair users.

A new entrance and reception area will be created and the building will offer more space for use by health, voluntary and community organisations.

The scheme will also mean services from Fourways, which provides day care for adults in poor physical health and recovering from poor mental health, will be brought together on the same site.

Cabinet members have recommended the proposals for approval by full council on March 1.

“This scheme demonstrates the council’s clear commitment to day care services in Poole,” said Councillor Peter Adams, cabinet portfolio holder for adult social care. “At a time when many other councils are having to review day care provision, we are seeking to invest almost £1.5m to modernise facilities and improve access for day care users.”

Changes in the delivery of services, with personal budgets giving people more choice, has led to a dramatic drop in the numbers going to day centres.

Attendance at Fourways and Sea View has fallen by more than 45 per cent over the past five years.

The number of sessions at the two centres has dropped from 5,570 in October 2005 to 3,049 in October 2010.

“By consolidating day care services on a single site, we will be able to offer much improved facilities to meet the complex and differing needs of people who still want to regularly visit a local day centre,” said Cllr Adams.

The proposal will save the council £146,000 a year in running costs. Subject to approval by councillors, work will start in June and should be completed by January 2012.