TouchBase Pears, developed by the national disability charity, Sense, will provide specialist services to people who are deafblind, have sensory impairments or complex needs, as well as services for the whole community – including a café, conference and training facilities, arts and performance area and a community space.
Announced in December 2015 by the charity’s Patron, HRH the Princess Royal, the centre will be based in Selly Oak, and form part of the area’s ongoing regeneration, creating up to 130 new jobs.
It is expected to cost £14 million, with an overall fundraising target of £5 million.
A mass walk will take place in Selly Oak on Monday 6 March to raise awareness of the centre’s upcoming opening, and to engage with the local community. Sense service users, families, schools and local businesses will be invited to participate.
Sense Chairman John Crabtree OBE, who earlier in the year was appointed Lord-Lieutenant for the West Midlands, said: “TouchBase Pears will be a real asset for Birmingham. This ambitious new centre will combine specialist support for people with sensory impairments and complex needs, with services that will benefit the whole community.
“Over one hundred new jobs will be created as the regeneration of Selly Oak continues.I hope as many people as possible can join us for the sensory walk in March, as we look to bring the community together and raise awareness of this wonderful project.”
