Construction work at a new day centre for adults with disabilities has now been completed, the Orkney Islands Council (OIC) has confirmed.

The facility is expected to open early in 2015, but ahead of the opening, those who use the day centres at Keelylang and St Colms have been able to look at the new building.

The new Orkney Health and Care's (OHAC) 'Lifestyles' will replace the older facilities at Keelylang, and provide easy access to the state-of-the-art health, leisure and entertainment facilities available at the Picky Centre.

The Picky Centre is connected to the new building.

While building work has now been completed on the project, the finishing touches - such as furnishings, IT systems and specialist equipment being installed over the next few weeks. Landscaping works will also be undertaken.

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The day centre consists of:

• A number of social spaces

• Height-adjustable kitchen sinks and hobs to allow service users to develop independent living skills

• A multi-sensory relaxation room, where lighting and sound can be tailored for individuals

• Purpose-built personal care rooms with fully wheelchair accessible toilets and showers

• An IT room

• A meeting room

• Offices for support workers.

Ross Groundwater, Project Lead and Registered Manager for the new service, said: "When researching options for modernising day services, we found those which were linked to community recreation centres such as the Picky delivered much better experiences and outcomes for the folk they serve.

"Easy access to a fantastic community hub like the Picky empowers and includes our service users to try out new social situations, promote independent living skills and develop natural community links – which can greatly improve individuals' confidence and help people be part of the wider community."

(JP/MH)