Construction of new NSPCC Centre for Wales underway in Ocean Park

Press Release - 07 July 2009

Building work has commenced on a major new centre for the NSPCC in Wales.

The 15,000 square foot purpose-built centre will be located in Cardiff’s Ocean Park development, a mile south east of the city centre, and will house direct services for children and young people.

Greta Thomas, director of NSPCC Cymru/Wales said: “It’s a sad fact that, even today, too many children across Wales experience abuse.  NSPCC services are already providing vital help and support to children in Wales, but it remains the case that we are only able to reach a small proportion of those who are in desperate need of our help. 

“Our new centre will allow us to bring together local services that help children and young people overcome the negative impacts of abuse as well as research, policy and campaigning teams to influence wider policy and practice in Wales.   Direct services will be expanded, enabling us to reach more children who have suffered emotional, physical or sexual abuse through the establishment of a new therapeutic team. 

“Every child deserves a happy childhood and the chance to grow and experience a full life.  It is vital that children get the support they need and this exciting development will enable us to do just that.” 

The centre will also enable the children’s charity to continue the pioneering work of its existing domestic abuse service.
 
Cardiff based commercial property and development company, Charnwood Group, are responsible for the design and build of the new centre.

James Davies, Director of Charnwood, said: “Charnwood has its major holdings in Ocean Park which is Cardiff's prime commercial district outside the city centre. Charnwood is delighted to be working with the NSPCC in regenerating this former industrial site. The first phase of this high quality office park also includes a new bespoke office for architects Stride Treglown Davies which is aiming to achieve a BREEAM outstanding rating."

Henry Best from Charnwood also said: “We have worked closely with the NSPCC to design a bespoke high quality building tailored to the charity’s present and future needs. Building work is already progressing and completion is scheduled for this November.”

To help fund the building of this new centre, NSPCC Cymru/Wales launched the Building Brighter Futures Appeal in April 2008.  Supporters of the appeal include Sir Stanley Thomas OBE, Chair of the Building Brighter Futures Appeal, NSPCC Cymru/Wales ambassador Catherine Zeta Jones, former Blue Peter presenter Gethin Jones and Welsh rugby captain Ryan Jones

Sir Stanley Thomas, said: “Over the past few years, I’ve learnt a lot about the work of the NSPCC and why it is so vital.  What I have learnt has shocked and upset me.  Of course, there are always options - you can choose to walk away from it all, you can pretend it doesn’t exist or you can decide to do something about it.  Please join me in choosing not to walk away.  We need the public’s help to make this Centre a reality.  Please choose to do something to keep children in Wales safe and give them the future they deserve”.

To make a donation to the Building Brighter Futures Appeal please visit www.nspcc.org.uk/brighterfutures

Ends

For further media information please contact the NSPCC Cymru/Wales communications team on 029 2026 7015 or 07977 127064 (out-of-hours).

Notes to editors:
• Services to be delivered directly to children and young from the centre include: Domestic Violence Prevention service, Therapeutic service, Policy and Public Affairs team and the Training and Consultancy service.

• The NSPCC is the UK’s leading children charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children. The NSPCC’s purpose is to end cruelty to children FULL STOP. Its vision is of a society where all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their potential. The NSPCC runs 180 projects and services throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland helping over 10,000 children and their families every year.

• For more information about the NSPCC visit www.nspcc.org.uk

• For more information about Charnwood visit www.charnwoodgroup.com