Bilborough Children's Centre

Supporting Early Years Learning and Family Services

Allan Joyce Architects were appointed to design a new children's centre at Glenbrook Primary School, creating modern facilities that support early years education, childcare and family services.

Funded by the Government Office for the East Midlands (GOEM) and Nottingham City Council through the Sure Start programme, the project was developed to provide high-quality learning environments for pre-school children while responding directly to the needs of the local community.

Designed with the Community

Community consultation played a key role in shaping the brief. Local residents identified a need for additional day-care provision, training facilities and a dedicated health room, ensuring the new building would become a valuable resource for both children and their families.

The extension complements the existing Foundation Unit for 0–3-year-olds while creating a welcoming new frontage to the school entrance, strengthening its presence within the local community.

Creating Bright, Flexible Learning Spaces

The contemporary design provides open, adaptable spaces that support learning through play, alongside facilities for family support and training.

Large windows and rooflights maximise natural daylight throughout the building, creating bright, stimulating environments for young children while reducing reliance on artificial lighting. The distinctive oversailing roof gives the building a strong architectural identity and provides shelter to visitors arriving at the centre.

Sustainable by Design

Environmental performance was embedded into the project from the outset. The highly insulated timber-frame construction exceeded the Building Regulations in place at the time, helping to reduce energy demand and create a comfortable environment for children and staff.

A heat recovery ventilation system further improves energy efficiency, while the abundance of natural daylight helps minimise electricity use throughout the building, reducing both running costs and environmental impact.

Our Role

Allan Joyce Architects design children's centres and education buildings that support learning, wellbeing and community engagement. Working closely with local authorities, schools and education providers, we create sustainable, flexible environments that respond to the needs of children, families and the wider community.