Northampton charity to expand buildings after visitor numbers increase by 300 per cent
Plans have been submitted to build an extension and a replacement community police office on the site of a sight loss charity in Northampton.
Northamptonshire Association for the Blind in Harborough Road, Kingsthorpe have applied to build a new two-storey extension to existing offices as well as revamping the nearby police office.
Planning papers submitted to Guildhall councillors by the charity describes their main reason for extension: "[It will] free-up ground floor space so that we meet the demand from blind and partially sighted people for additional (daytime) interest, activity and social groups.
"We can display and demonstrate a wider range of daily living aids and equipment and support the increasing number of visitors walking through the door seeking advice and support (since relocating from Wardington Court visitor numbers have increased by 300 per cent).”
NASB say they want to generate an income to help offset the cost of running the charity and help secure its long-term future.
The extended building also provides accommodation for the police officers in lieu of the existing building, which will be demolished as part of the scheme.
The centre, which is the charity's HQ, already provides support and training to partially sighted visitors and their carers and publishes a 'talking newspaper', which is delivered nationally.