Nursery plans get the green light
ROSSENDALE council have approved the planned development of Bright Futures Early Learning Centre on Futures Park in Bacup.
Construction is planned to start this month to build the new centre which will provide nursery and childcare provision for 0 to four-year-olds.
The proposal was approved at an Extraordinary meeting of the full council on June 24. The agreed reason for the decision was “To support a business expansion to provide quality nursery provision in one of the most deprived parts of the borough, and create an additional 30 jobs locally. It will generate a modest revenue income to support the Medium Term Financial Strategy.”
Due to open in September 2021, the latest Bright Futures development aims to boost availability of full-time childcare places across east Rossendale.
Ailsa Carr, manager of Bright Futures, said: “The centre will not just provide day care or education. The places will offer the best of both in a wraparound early learning experience to give children the best possible start in their first few years. We will bring much needed additional services to the east of Rossendale to add to and complement the excellent services already available.”
This will be the second nursery facility provided by Bright Futures, which is a not-for-profit social enterprise. The existing nursery based in Rawtenstall, opened in 2012 and was rated outstanding by Ofsted in 2013 and 2020.
The proposal was discussed at April’s planning committee where some concerns were raised about the impact on the town’s existing maintained sector.
Martin Kirk, chair of trustees, said: “We are very much looking forward to being part of the Bacup community and are excited to be part of the Futures Park development.
“Discussions have already taken place with local organisations such as Bacup Nursery School and Bacup Family Centre, to explore ways of working together for the benefit of local families.”
Twenty percent of the new building will be separate multi-purpose rooms available for educational and activity sessions focused on providing wider support to local families and young children.
Council leader Coun Alyson Barnes said the age group population is predicted to grow significantly across east Rossendale over the next decade, in line with the Local Plan housing growth.
Meanwhile, there are active schemes in place to enhance employment prospects in the area and support people into employment,” she said.
“The new Bright Futures Early Learning Centre will help to ensure sufficient and appropriate childcare is available in the area to support these exciting growth and prosperity plans.”