SOUTHAMPTON'S new state-of-the-art complex for local youngsters with profound disabilities is to be called the Bradbury Centre.

Construction work is now under way at Aldermoor for the Rose Road Association and the centre should be open by March of next year.

The name of the centre is due to be confirmed at a reception in aid of the charity at Admiralty House, Portsmouth tonight.

Replacing the current cramped Rose Road centre in Ports wood, the new building will include educational and respite facilities for children and young adults from across southern Hampshire.

The choice of name reflects a major donation, totalling £450,000, to the project made by the Bradbury Found-ation, a Hong Kong-based grant-making trust that among its aims supports schemes connected with disability and children.

The origins of the trust date back to a wealthy businessman, who died in the early 1970s.

He formed the trust after a successful career in the Far East to help British charities.

Paul Hillman, chairman of the Rose Road Association, said: "We have had tremendous support from trusts, businesses and individuals.

"The Bradbury Foundation has been among our most enthusiastic supporters and my trustees decided that it would be a fitting acknowledgement for the new centre to be named after the foundation.''

Dennis Minns, the foundation's UK representative, said: "We have many varied requests for assistance but we felt that the Rose Road project was one that fitted perfectly the criteria for our support.''

A special week of fundraising is being held this month, which marks the 50th anniversary of the association.

The Rose Road appeal has now reached £4m, but still needs a further £500,000.