Kier, a UK-based construction company, has completed the refurbishment of a new, purpose-built centre in North Yorkshire, designed to provide vital support services for victims of rape and sexual assault.
The £1.3 million Acer House Victims’ Centre will accommodate both Adult Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) services and Child Sexual Assault Assessment Services (CSAAS) for the region.
Commissioned by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire and procured through the SCAPE framework, the project was delivered by Kier Places, a division of Kier Construction.
The scheme involved a full internal fit-out of the facility
Jamie McKechnie, Managing Director of Kier Places, said: “This project has required a collaborative approach between the Office for Policing, Fire, Crime and Commissioning, Kier Places, and a number of other key stakeholders to ensure the building was tailored to meet the needs of its users.
“Acer House will now provide a centralised hub offering vital services for victims of crime, as well as much-needed support for witnesses and other vulnerable individuals, and we are proud to have worked together to deliver this important new space."
Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, said: “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.”
The centre includes two dedicated forensic medical examination suites
The scheme involved a full internal fit-out of the facility, transforming it into a safe, private, and trauma-informed environment for survivors.
Acer House has been carefully designed in consultation with victims to support recovery and improve outcomes, both within the healthcare system and the criminal justice process.
The centre includes two dedicated forensic medical examination suites, tailored to meet the needs of both adults and children, as well as a non-forensic examination room for non-recent cases of child sexual abuse.
A specialist air filtration system, meeting the Forensic Science Regulator’s guidelines on DNA contamination control, ensures evidence can be securely and safely preserved
To support investigations, the facility also features two video recorded interview (VRI) suites for North Yorkshire Police, alongside four private waiting rooms for accompanying relatives or friends.
A specialist air filtration system, meeting the Forensic Science Regulator’s guidelines on DNA contamination control, ensures evidence can be securely and safely preserved.
Every aspect of the design prioritises the safety, dignity, and comfort of those using the service.
Soft furnishings, child-friendly features, and discreet interiors help create a calm and welcoming environment
Soft furnishings, child-friendly features, and discreet interiors help create a calm and welcoming environment.
Importantly, the centre has been designed to feel distinct from both police and hospital settings, with no visible police signage and no suspects interviewed on-site.
The completion of Acer House marks a significant investment in improving the support available to victims of sexual violence in North Yorkshire and is part of a wider strategy to provide trauma-informed, accessible care in specialist settings.
Top image: Acer House
