AN appeal has been launched by a city charity to create a dedicated arts centre for people with learning disabilities.

Worcester Snoezelen in Turnpike Close, St John’s, Worcester, is raising funds for a new creative centre of excellence for people with learning disabilities.

The charity, which is dedicated to improving the lives of people with learning disabilities, has more than 400 visitors a week and offers sensory and leisure activities using light, tactile objects, drama, dance and music.

On Friday, Worcester Snoezelen launched the Big Build Appeal for its expansion project, which includes the creation of new activity rooms, improved changing facilities and a café.

Jane Roberts, the charity’s project manager, said: “It’s really exciting. We can see the vision of how it’s going to be and we involved our users so much in the plan – it’s essentially their centre.”

The project is set to cost in the region of £250,000 to £300,000 and money will be raised through grants, fundraising and donations.

Dennis Little, chairman, said the extension – which will be built on land next to the centre that has been donated by the university – would allow the charity to continue its work.

He said: “This will allow us to do everything that we are doing now but it will be far better. There will be more space and because it’s all under one roof we’re going to be in the position where we will have more people participating in more activities.

“It’s the biggest project we’ve ever done. We went through everything with our users and the thing they wanted more than anything was they wanted to stay here.

We presented the plans at the AGM and they loved it. They thought it was an excellent idea. We intend to be in the new space and working by December 2013, with two months’ contingency.

“The work of the centre means an awful lot for so many people.”

The plans are set to be submitted to Worcester City Council in January, with the aim of beginning building work in June, subject to permission. Businesses and individuals can get involved by sponsoring the project.

For more information, call 01905 748299 or visit worcestersnoezelen.org.uk