The new building is a centre of excellence for pupils aged 4-19 who are deaf or visually impaired, providing a state-of-the-art facility with the very latest in assistive acoustic and lighting technologies. 

The 4,500m2 of fully accessible accommodation comprises a village of pavilions grouped around a central external landscaped sensory garden and is spread over two floor levels to recreate the environment that the children are likely to encounter in everyday life. Specialist teaching for Art, IT, Home Economics, Music and Technology, Therapy and a Hydrotherapy Pool is provided for 100 pupils with residential accommodation for 6 pupils.  

The bespoke facilities were designed in consultation with DENI, NEELB, Royal Victoria Hospital and Local Health Trust to meet the particular needs of the pupils through a child-centred philosophy. The principles of passive sustainable design were incorporated throughout to achieve a Very Good BREEAM rating.

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