Mencap Childrens & Families Centre, Belfast

The Mencap Children’s & Families Centre in Newtownbreda, Belfast, is a purpose-built, two-storey facility that brings a wide range of inclusive services together under one roof. Developed in partnership with the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, it provides integrated care, therapy, early years support, and family services for children with learning disabilities and their families.

The 1,300 m² building replaced older school structures and was designed for full accessibility. Features include a publicly accessible Changing Places toilet and layouts that make moving around the building straightforward. Secure “garden rooms” provide space for therapeutic outdoor play, while larger courtyard areas encourage social interaction and community engagement. Consarc Design created a bright, open, and engaging environment, significantly improving on the previous facilities. Mencap has described the centre as “incredible,” reflecting their vision for a stimulating, supportive, and future-proof space. Completed in 2017 at a cost of approximately £4.6 million, the project has set a new benchmark for early intervention and accessible facilities in Northern Ireland.