An incredible facility which provides "vital and inclusive services" for adults with learning disabilities in East Dunbartonshire has won a top award ... and secured the royal seal of approval.
The Allander Resource Centre (ARC) in Bearsden has been recognised for Diversity in the Public Sector at The Herald and GenAnalytics 2024 Diversity Awards.
Presenting the award, judge Elaine Boyd – a Deputy Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, who regularly uses the hydrotherapy pool at the Allander – conveyed congratulations on behalf of King Charles III.
The ARC, a purpose-build facility which is integrated within the Allander Leisure Centre, was declared a "stand-out winner" by judges.
They said, "The Allander Resource Centre boasts an incredible space, unique in the UK. It is fully integrated with the community, fosters partnerships, and delivers vital and inclusive services in a public sector space."
The centre – which opened in March 2023 – provides specialist facilities for adults with severe and complex learning disabilities, with nearly 90 attending for day services during the week. It is also a base for a further 60 people, who are mainly supported in the community, who use it as a base for art and drama sessions, work and meetings.
It was built by East Dunbartonshire Council, working closely with partners including East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (EDHSCP) – which delivers the services – and the Leisure and Culture Trust.
Councillor Calum Smith, Chair of EDHSCP, said, "The Allander Resource Centre is a fantastic facility which provides vital support to adults with a range of needs. This award is a reflection of the high regard in which it is held and the wonderful work which is taking place.
"Community and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do so it's particularly pleasing for the centre to be recognised for Diversity in the Public Sector. Well done to everyone involved – service users and their families, the dedicated staff who support them, the many partners involved – including the Council’s Major Assets team – and the wider community."
The facility includes:
- Dementia, rebound, sensory and physiotherapy treatment rooms
- Arts & crafts and music rooms
- A dance studio, which is also used for fitness, drama and evening social activities
- A sensory garden
- Café, kitchen and dining facilities
- Flexible meeting rooms, quiet spaces and offices
- Access to the hydrotherapy pool, swimming pool and games hall within the Allander Leisure Centre.
McLaughlin & Harvey was the main contractor and architectural design was by Holmes Miller, with support from Doig+Smith, Brown + Wallace and planning consultancy Stantec.
The Allander Leisure Centre has also been shortlisted in the AJ Architecture Awards 2024 – one of the most prestigious in the UK, celebrating design excellence.
