Acer House: Internal fit-out and refurbishment

Framework: SCAPE Construction Framework

Client: York, North and Yorkshire Office for Policing, Fire, Crime and Commissioning

Location: North Yorkshire

Project Value: £1.3 million

Completed: December 2024

"Every day we see the impact on victims and survivors of sexual crimes and how difficult it is to come forward and report what has happened. I hope the new centre, that has been designed with victims and survivors at its very heart, will give more people the confidence to come forward and report has happened to them. Even if they do not want to speak to the police, they can contact Acer House direct to access services and support to help recover and rebuild their lives.”

Assistant Chief Constable, Catherine Clarke

North Yorkshire Police

In collaboration with Kier Places, we completed the refurbishment of a new facility that will house essential services for the Adult Sexual Assault Referral Clinic (SARC) and Child Sexual Assault Assessment Services (CSAAS) in North Yorkshire.

The full internal fit-out of Acer House Victims’ Centre will provide a space where victims of rape and assault can receive immediate healthcare, undergo medical examinations, and submit evidence that can be securely stored in specialised facilities.

This new centre features dedicated, modern facilities designed to address better the needs of victims of rape and sexual assault, ultimately enhancing their outcomes both within the criminal justice system and in their recovery and healing journey.

The project was procured using the SCAPE Construction Framework and delivered by Kier Places, a division of Kier Construction that provides building, workplace, and residential solutions across the UK for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire.

Importantly, the centre's goal is to support the victims' overall experience, ensuring their safety and comfort are prioritised throughout every step of the project delivery, which was designed in consultation with the victims

In 2024, Kier Places was appointed by the Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire to complete the full internal fit-out of Acer House Victims’ Centre. This facility provides immediate healthcare, medical examinations, and evidence collection for victims of rape and assault, with specialised storage for their evidence.

The project involved several elements, including:

Replacing ceilings and partitions
Performing a complete mechanical and electrical (M&E) refit to meet the latest high-spec accreditation standards
Replacing windows and glazing
Installing two full forensic suites and two video relay interpreting (VRI) studios
Creating staff office areas, which included open-plan workspaces, two hot desk areas, and meeting rooms
Installing new external fencing
Adding fire doors
Redecorating the interior

The construction team assigned to this project was composed of trusted and skilled professionals, ensuring that the work ran smoothly. All subcontractors were selected from Kier's preferred supplier list and contracted through an effective procurement process that considers qualifications, compliance, and previous experience.

The SARC clinic provides essential services, including the storage and collection of legal documentation, physical evidence, and data. Therefore, it must remain operational and fit for purpose 24/7, 365 days a year. To achieve this, the team implemented an effective quality management plan, which includes a project quality plan, an inspection test plan, Procore checklists, photographs, and subcontractor sign-off sheets.

During the construction phase, clear and transparent communication was crucial for delivering high-quality results. The project team maintained open and honest communication through in-person and online meetings, emails, and phone calls. Additionally, a tracker was kept for necessary design changes and decisions, which the project team discussed with the client regularly.

These measures ensured we delivered the project to a high standard while minimising any impact on the timeline and budget.

The new centre offers a range of facilities, including:

Two dedicated forensic medical examination suites are designed for different age groups.
A non-forensic medical examination room specifically for non-recent cases of child sexual abuse.
Two video recorded interview (VRI) suites for North Yorkshire Police to conduct statements.
Four family waiting rooms for relatives or friends accompanying victims and witnesses.
An air filtration system that complies with guidelines from the Forensic Science Regulator to control DNA contamination. The design minimises the risk of DNA contamination by maintaining an air change rate in the forensic suites that prevents dust, skin cells, and other particulates from settling on surfaces and evidence.

The primary purpose of the centre is to enhance the overall experience for victims, prioritising their safety and comfort throughout every phase of the project. The facilities have been designed in consultation with victims, taking internal aspects into account, such as soft furnishings, toys, appropriate play areas for children, and comfortable, private waiting rooms. To create a more welcoming environment, there is no formal signage indicating police presence within the centre, distinguishing it from a typical hospital or police setting. Additionally, suspects will not be interviewed within the building.

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"Throughout the project, we collaborated closely with our Construction Framework partner, Kier Places to ensure greater efficiency, value for money, but most importantly that users would benefit from a high-quality purpose-built space. It is great to see the centre now complete and we are proud to have supported the refurbishment of this vital community facility, enabling it to be a place of safety and care for years to come."

Mark Robinson,

Group Chief Executive, | SCAPE