Knockevin Centre receives top award

Knockevin Centre receives top award

10 January 2018

KNOCKEVIN Early Years Centre in Dundrum has been awarded a Prestige Access Award from the William Keown Trust.

The Trust, which is a proactive voice for people with disabilities in Northern Ireland, gives the awards to owners, architects and builders who have gone the extra mile to ensure those with a  disability can move around as independently as possible.

The annual Prestige Access Awards ceremony was held recently at the Lagan Valley Island Conference Centre in Lisburn.

This year the Trust awarded certificates to 11 buildings together with a certificate for state-of-the art equipment which allows those in wheelchairs or with a disability to access the beach at Benone. 

Knockevin Early Years Centre is an Education Authority building built by Kelly, McAvoy and Brown. Opened in February last year, it cost £1.7m.

Facilities include therapy rooms, a multi-sensory room, a soft play area, a large multi-functional hall and extensive outdoor play facilities.

“Internal doors are wide, having vision panels, door closers and braille signage,” a spokesman for the William Keown Trust said.

“These, coupled with excellent floor finishes, make for easy access for wheelchair users throughout the building. There is also good colour contrasting between walls, floors and doors.”  

The spokesman added: “The designers are to be commended for both the provision for children with learning difficulties and the overall concept of the scheme.

“Also the staff of Knockevin Early Years Centre are worthy of the highest praise for the loving care and dedication they show towards their pupils.”