Project completion for new £6m National Star development

We are delighted to announce project completion at National Star on the new specialist residence at their Ullenwood campus. The charity provides specialist further education, personal development, and residential services for young people with complex disabilities and learning difficulties from across the UK.

coombes:everitt achieved planning permission for the site in June 2022, with a specially designed space tfor young people with disabilities that fully meets their complex needs and provides stimulating spaces to live, learn and relax.

Each of the 13 bedrooms will have specialist overhead tracking hoists and ensuite facilities ensuring that privacy and dignity is maintained for those with high levels of personal care needs. There will be wide corridors that can easily accommodate large electric wheelchairs ensuring everyone can easily move around their home.

coombes:everitt Director, John Everitt said:

“We are delighted to see this project come to fruition. It was a great team effort and superb result for the client and the young people who will benefit from the new facilities – well done to all involved”

The centre also includes sensory/break-out spaces to support those with autism, sensory processing disorders and behavioural challenges as well as large communal areas which will be used for life skills sessions.

The scheme marks 10 years of delivering successful projects for National Star, with specialist accommodation in Bradbury Gardens, Cheltenham, marking their first work for the charity starting in 2012. Opening in 2015, Bradbury Gardens went on to win the ‘Most Inclusive Building’ at the West of England LABC Awards and a prestigious Cheltenham Civic Award.

“We were delighted to again work with coombes:everitt to deliver this project,” said National Star Chief Executive David Ellis.

“They understand the needs of the young people we support and truly grasp the ethos and vision of the charity. That makes all the difference to a project like this as they have created a building that truly reflects those who will live there. Not only will young people be able to live there comfortably and safely but the space will enable them develop and thrive.”

The project was completed by regional contractor Speller Metcalfe and was supported by a consultant team: MHP Design, Burnley Wilson Fish, David Smith Associates and Nuttall Engineering Consultants.