EXISTING BUILDINGS: 

The existing site is being used as a materials yard and is generally clear of any permanent buildings or features. 

There is an existing maintenance shed on the site which is not suitable for incorporation into the new facility. 

DESIGN APPROACH: 

As part of developing our design for the new facility, we have carefully considered the relationship required between the different departments within the proposed building. 

The diagram on the right shows the different elements required for the new facility. The layout of the different elements, combined with the operational flow of the facility, is designed to meet the needs of the children, staff and visitors, while responding to the site conditions. This has resulted in a design shaped around courtyards providing access to various external spaces. 

In addition to this: 

• the proposed new building has had to be positioned to avoid the underground high voltage cable tunnel located in the north-west corner of the site; 

• the proposed built form creates a secure building, reducing the need for excessive fencing; 

• the design has been developed based on previous/ ongoing secure children’s home designs, giving careful consideration to orientation and relationship to the site; 

• an extensive pre-application process is progressing with LBWF in relation to the design of the building and how it responds to the opportunities and constraints of the site alongside its specialist operational requirements; 

• consideration has been given to the location of the new building within the boundaries of the site to provide clarity in terms of the entrance and approach and to maximise the available site for rewilding.