May 13 2013

Work to build the UK’s first purpose built sexual assault centre has been completed at Antrim Area Hospital, Northern Ireland, on behalf of Northern Social Care Trust.

The Rowan was delivered by Keppie Design in collaboration with Gareth Hoskins Architects and comprises a £1.15m extension to an existing centre to provide a ‘one stop’ location for the provision of holistic services to victims.

Designed to foster a comfortable, calm and safe environment for those in need the centre will provide 24 hour support, 365 days a year.
Commenting on the project Keppie’s Tim McKee said: “As this is the first purpose-built dedicated sexual assault centre in the UK, the brief was continually tested and reassessed. 

“An open ear to the numerous stakeholders on the client side resulted in an efficient, fit for purpose building. The design embraces the natural attributes of the site with mature trees embracing the building to create a natural, supportive environment for the service users.

“The layout of the building has been driven directly by the requirement to provide two distinct services; one for victims attending for the first time, often immediately after an assault, the other for subsequent visits. The ambition of this project is to create a safe, secure and private environment which respects the experience of the victim.” 

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