New Specialist Learning Disability and Autism Day Centre for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Fleet Architects is delighted to be appointed to lead the redevelopment of the Cherry Trees site into a Specialist Learning Disability and Autism Day Centre for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH). This vital project will transform an underutilized school building into a modern, purpose-built facility that will support adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). We are committed to delivering a design that reflects the needs of its users while maximizing the potential of the existing building to create a sustainable and inclusive environment.

Designing for adults with learning disabilities and autism presents significant challenges, particularly in retrofitting a former school building to accommodate the varied and sensitive needs of its users. The facility will serve two distinct groups: individuals with PMLD, who often require accessible and mobility-supportive spaces, and individuals with ASD, who may exhibit complex and challenging behaviours. Features such as a hydrotherapy pool, sensory rooms, calm spaces, and physiotherapy facilities are essential to creating an environment that fosters comfort, therapeutic engagement, and dignity. Fleet Architects brings extensive experience in designing for hydrotherapy uses, which will be integral to the success of this project.

In addition to addressing the limitations of the existing building, Fleet is developing the landscape design in-house with our dedicated landscape design lead. This approach allows us to blur the threshold between indoor and outdoor spaces, using the external environment to augment and expand the building’s capabilities. By carefully integrating landscaping with the overall design, we aim to create a seamless and supportive environment that enhances the experience for users while meeting the Council’s sustainability and net-zero carbon objectives.