The project is regarded as a critical step to close a significant gap in services for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. It will create a state-of-the-art, fully accessible facility that provides year-round support, respite, and play opportunities for families across the Dundee area.

The renovation team, led by Douglas Smith, managing partner at Hardies Property and Construction Consultants and Paul Stephen, partner at James F Stephen Architects, is overseeing a project to replace the roof and create a changing places room, sensory room and larger play spaces.

Office and meeting spaces, as well as a large kitchen and dining space, will also be created and the garden and external play spaces will be upgraded. Renovations began last November, with an anticipated completion in late summer 2025.

Smith said: “Hardies is delighted to support this project through the delivery of project management, quantity surveying and principal design services to provide Dundee families with much-needed access to expanded services, including holiday, out-of-school, and respite care.”

Gill Thomson, service development manager, at The Yard Dundee, added: “Every child deserves a safe space to play and be themselves. The Yard’s inclusive approach ensures that every child and family feels welcomed and supported.

“This renovation is about creating a true one-stop shop for family support – addressing the practical challenges families face while providing meaningful, inclusive play opportunities.

“It will allow The Yard to expand its services, including holiday support, early years’ sessions, and out-of-school care, giving families the support they need when they need it most.”

Around £1.2m has already been secured from a range of supporters including the Scottish Government, The Robertson Trust, The Gannochy Trust and The Northwood Charitable Trust.

The Yard has now issued an urgent appeal to raise the final £300,000 needed to transform the facility into a fully accessible, year-round space for children and young people with disabilities.

The Dig Deep for The Yard campaign is urging members of the public to give anything they can afford from as little as £10, while businesses can buy bricks for £250 each or sponsor a specific element of the service such as a room or piece of new play equipment for the garden. To donate, visit here.

The Scottish Housing News Charity Spotlight feature highlights the vital work of charities across Scotland each Friday. To include your local charity, whether housing-related or not, send your story and images to us at newsdesk@scottishnews.com.