Kier has completed the refurbishment of a new facility which will host critical services for an Adult Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) and Child Sexual Assault Assessment Services (CSAAS) for North Yorkshire.
Kier was appointed in 2024 by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire to complete the full internal fit-out of Acer House Victims’ Centre, where victims of rape and assault can receive immediate healthcare, medical examination, and provide evidence which can be kept in specialist storage facilities.
The new centre includes dedicated, modern facilities to better meet the needs of victims of rape and sexual assault to improve their outcomes, both inside and outside the criminal justice system and in their recovery and healing.
The £1.3m project, procured through SCAPE, was delivered by Kier Places, a business within Kier Construction which delivers building, workplace and residential solutions in places where people live and work across the UK.
Facilities in the new centre include:
- two dedicated forensic medical examinations suites providing age-appropriate facilities
- a non-forensic medical examination room for non-recent cases of child sexual abuse
- two video recorded interview (VRI) suites for North Yorkshire Police to take statements
- four family waiting rooms for relatives or friends accompanying victims and witnesses
- an air filtration system which meets the guidelines from the Forensic Science Regulator for DNA contamination controls. The risk of contamination of DNA is minimised by maintaining an air change rate in the forensic suites that prevent dust, skin cells etc from settling on surfaces/evidence within the space.
Importantly, the Centre’s purpose is to support the victim’s overall experience, with their safety and comfort considered throughout every step of the project delivery and designed in consultation with victims.
Internal considerations include soft furnishings, toys and suitable space for children, and comfortable, private waiting rooms. There is no formal signage to indicate police presence within the Centre to make it feel distinct from a hospital or police setting. Suspects will not be interviewed within the building.
"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."
Jamie McKechnie, managing director of Kier Places
"We are delighted to see the opening of Acer House. The new facilities will provide a much-improved environment for victims of rape and sexual assault during one of the darkest times in their life.
It is also extremely positive news in terms of the impact on our investigations, providing us with additional capability to gather evidence.
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
"Last year we know there were over 300 referrals to our Sexual Assault Referral Centre, hundreds more reports to the police of rape and sexual assault, and tragically, almost certainly many more cases that were never reported.
The Mayor and I are determined to tackle the appalling levels of violence against women and girls in our region. As part of that work, it is vital women and girls feel safe to report incidences of rape and sexual assault. Providing victims with the best possible facility in which to support them and secure evidence is one way in which we are showing our commitment.
The centre has been designed to be a safe and welcoming space to ensure the experience for victims and witnesses is as supportive as possible at what will be a devastating time for them."
Jo Coles, North Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing, Fire and Crime
"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 at SCAPE
