New £6 million family centre opens in Worksop

A new £6 million family contact centre has opened in Nottinghamshire, providing “vital” facilities to support children, young people and families.

Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has completed Harmony House on Newgate Street in Worksop for Arc Partnership, on behalf of Nottinghamshire County Council.

The single-storey building replaces former residential bungalows previously used for supervised family contact, providing a purpose-built environment for safeguarding and support services.

Designed and managed by Arc Partnership, a joint venture between the council and SCAPE, the centre includes dedicated family spaces, conference rooms, kitchens and specialist support areas.

Sustainability has also been prioritised, with solar panels, energy-efficient building materials and fully electric heating and cooling systems incorporated to reduce running costs.

The project also supported the local economy, with 92 per cent of labour and 88 per cent of spending sourced within 40 miles of the site, alongside 13 apprentice weeks and work experience and educational activities involving 334 students.

All construction waste was diverted from landfill.

Andy Sewards, group chairman at G F Tomlinson, said: “We are delighted to have completed Harmony House and see this important facility now open and ready to support children, young people and families across Nottinghamshire.

“From the outset, the project has been about creating a building that is not only fit for purpose, but provides a warm, welcoming and comfortable environment for families, while also meeting the county council’s ambitions for a modern, energy-efficient public building.

“Working closely with Arc Partnership and Nottinghamshire County Council, our team has successfully delivered a high-quality facility which will provide a lasting benefit to the local community. 

“We are particularly proud of the social value delivered for the local community throughout the project, including opportunities for local employment, apprenticeships and engagement with the local supply chain.”

Harmony House forms part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s wider programme to modernise public buildings and improve services for local communities.

Councillor Rory Green, of Nottinghamshire County Council, added: “It is a fantastic, spacious building which provides a welcoming place for children and young people in our care and their families. 

“We are really proud of this new building, as it’s a vital investment which will benefit those who really need a space like this, for generations to come.”

Daniel Maher, managing director at Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, added: “We are proud to be delivering this vital new facility on behalf of the county council, providing design, project and cost management services alongside our delivery partner, G F Tomlinson. 

“Our approach has focused on designing a warm, welcoming environment for the families whilst ensuring value for money.”

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