Bid to turn former dental surgery in Kirkby into 'alternative education' base
A former dental surgery in Kirkby could soon be converted into a base providing “personalised, alternative education” for youngsters.
The building, at 56 Lowmoor Road, sits close to Kirkby Family Medical Centre, but has been empty for some time after the surgery closed.
The premises has now been taken over by Vibrance Education, in conjunction with CEB Education Consultancy, and they have lodged a planning application with Ashfield District Council for a change of use.
It has been submitted by Catherine Brown, 35, who is one of two directors of the Mansfield Woodhouse-based Vibrance, along with Wendy Asher, 49, and also runs CEB.
Vibrance already operates from three other buildings in the area – The Hive, on Station Street, Mansfield Woodhouse, The Base, behind the Bentinck Welfare building in Kirkby; and The Wellbeing Centre, at the rear of Diamond Avenue in Kirkby.
A successful and highly respected business, it prides itself on providing education, training and therapy for youngsters aged 11 to 16, who “seek alternative education where they can thrive and reach their full potential”.
Vibrance says its mission is to “provide a supportive and empowering environment, fostering a love for learning and growth” among students who are finding it hard to succeed within mainstream schools.
The business accepts referrals from schools and councils in the Nottinghamshire area, quoting rates from £180 per day.
Vibrance says its aim is to help students “overcome challenges” so that they find learning “enjoyable and relevant to their lives”.
Its mission was to “offer innovative and personalised programmes that cater to each individual's unique needs, fostering growth, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging”.
The surgery building comprises several offices, a kitchen, toilets, storage area and reception.
According to the planning application, work started on the conversion when Vibrance and CEB first took on the premises in February. It had been hoped to open next month.
Under the scheme, nine parking spaces would be retained, and the base would employ four full-time and two part-time members of staff. Its opening hours would be 9 am to 4 pm, Mondays to Fridays.
The council’s planning officers are currently considering the proposal and hope to make a decision or recommendation by their deadline date of Tuesday, May 5.
THE details of many planning applications can be found in public notices advertised by local and regional newspapers. To catch up on all the latest public notices, go to https://publicnoticeportal.uk/