Glasgow City Council to buy former NHS site for autistic young people

Glasgow City Council is planning to buy a former NHS property to provide accommodation for young people with complex needs as they look to “build independence”.

Councillors will be asked to support a £275,000 deal for Netherton House on Blackwood Street near Anniesland.

Acquiring the site, on behalf of the city’s health and social care partnership (HSCP), has been described as a “rarely available opportunity” by officials.

It would house young people transitioning from children’s to adult services, specifically those with “autism, complex needs and significant levels of challenging behaviour”.

A council report adds potential users are “facing delays in securing suitable housing due to a shortage of supply, alongside other service challenges”. As a result, some placements are being made outside the Glasgow HSCP area.

Buying Netherton House is expected to “avoid the use of expensive commissioned places”, including “out of authority” locations.

Owned by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, the building was previously a long-stay unit for adults with learning disabilities and council officials believe the similar use will minimise any conversion costs.

The proposed deal will be considered by councillors on Glasgow’s contracts and property committee at a meeting on Thursday (June 11).

Netherton House has been identified as “suitable for a new assessment and resettlement service for young people (18+) in transition”, the report states.

“The facility would offer short-to-medium term accommodation with on-site staff support and is seen as a ‘move-through’ model, with the aim for young people to build independence and transition to permanent, lower-intensity housing.

“The approach aims to improve outcomes for young people while addressing a service gap in a cost-effective and strategic way.”

Following a deal, Netherton House would be registered as a care home with the Care Inspectorate. Owned by the council, it would be funded and operated by the HSCP.

Purchase and works costs would come from a reserve “set aside for this purpose”, officials add. The property has been assessed by the district valuer and a £275,000 valuation confirmed.