Under our framework with the University of Sussex, Pascall+Watson led the design of a new Childcare Centre, for children who are connected to the university’s staff and student population. 

The £2.1m project located on the eastern edge of the campus now caters for 101 children between the ages of 3 months to 5 years. The facilities enable young parents, single parents and mature parents/students to enrol and study at the university with the comfort that their children are safely cared for on campus. 

The centre is comprised of five large, spacious and light rooms with age appropriate facilities and resources is equipped with the latest technology and resources for babies, toddlers and preschoolers to explore and learn through play. 

A large outdoor area includes an adventure garden with tunnel, water play, slides, bike tracks and planting area. Artificial grass was chosen to ensure the children can play and explore in all weathers. The grass includes a shock absorber to reduce the risk of injuries when running around outside.  

The play area was shortlisted for an award from Nursery World, the leading publication for the early years community, and was one of seven nursery schools and kindergartens to be nominated in the ‘Enabling Environments’ category, which is open to organisations that have created ‘stimulating, child-centred learning environments.’ 

Sited in an area of outstanding natural beauty and adjacent listed campus buildings, the design had to address the sensitive planning issues intrinsic to the setting. The project was accredited with a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating.