Project Overview
Yarl’s Wood Immigration Centre is a fully self-contained residential centre capable of housing 900 men, women and families awaiting processing of their immigration appeals.
When the Government announced the need for a fast-track solution to deliver this complex project, ONE Creative environments (ONE) was brought into the scheme due to its track record in providing operator-led design within tight budgets and short timeframes.
Planning of the site was key, with the need for ‘secure lines’ and the ability to cope with high traffic flows due to the large number of detainees. Built around a courtyard design, the layout is sensitive to the movement of people and limits how many occupants can view one another at any one time.
Within the facility, all aspects of daily life in a multi-cultural-society are met, from educational requirements, catering and sports facilities to prayer rooms and recreational spaces. The design also includes a fully-equipped medical centre, complete with in-bed facilities, X-Ray and dental services, which is fully compliant with infection control measures.
The need for high security is met by a state-of-the-art command centre, which monitors CCTV across the complex, as well as a Silver Command suite for managing potential incidents. Building on the secure approach to design, the centre’s segregation unit is comprised of modules lined with steel to withstand potential vandalism, while anti-ligature fixtures and fittings ensure a safe environment for potentially vulnerable individuals.
The design also includes five generators, complete with an underground fuel supply. This ensures the 31,000 sqm facility has back-up power for up to 48 hours, ensuring no disruption to services and allowing the facility to remain fully self-contained.
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From receipt of enquiry to handing over the keys took only 18 months. Considering the bid process and the complexity of the design and construction, the speed of this project was incredible. Being a key part of the delivery team was a unique experience that required a fast response, flexibility and buildability to remain front of mind.
Jason Whittall, Director / One Creative Environments Ltd.
