Afro Carribbean Care Group (ACCG)

"JMA made our original vision for the building even more exciting with design ideas which we had not believed were possible" - Dorothy Evans CEO

■ Client

↣ ACCG (African Carribbean Care group)

■ Type

↣ Culture

■ JMA+

↣ branding, logotype, way-finding

■ Location

↣ Manchester

The African Caribbean Care Group (ACCG) is a registered charity providing health and social care support to adults across Manchester. Established in 1983, the ACCG strives to alleviate social isolation and loneliness experienced by older adults, particularly of African-Caribbean descent.

Julian McIntosh Architects were commissioned by ACCG to reimagine the future of the charity as an intergenerational care organisation and design the redevelopment of its headquarters, the Claremont Resource Centre. The building itself carries a rich history: built in the 1960s and known for its long, dark, red brick facades, the site was the cherished home of the Hulme Resource Centre and a Citizens Advice Bureau in the past. Recognising the need for modernisation, ACCG briefed JMA to focus on comprehensively upgrading the facilities. ACCG, as the current custodians of the building, envision a revitalised space that can continue to serve the community through the organisation’s work providing holistic care services and activities for a wide variety of day-care users of varying ages and ethnicities.

The refurbishment of the existing building and updating the facilities encompassing the day-care centre will assist ACCG to serve as a community hub. This newly-revived space can provide holistic wellness services and encourage self-sustainable living through re-activated gardens and green spaces.

New facilities will include a spa wing for holistic therapy treatment and the creation of commercial and community spaces available for hire. Renovations will be made to day-care, social spaces and kitchen facilities, as well as an improvement of acoustic separation between spaces. Alongside day-care facilities and function areas available for hire, the centre will aim to offer work and studio spaces. Improvements to parking and site boundaries and external landscaping will be required. Overall commercial uses will be introduced to create a financially sustainable future for ACCG and the resource centre.

Our design ethos centres around the concept of creating light-filled spaces that prioritise openness and a welcoming atmosphere. To achieve this, we have carefully considered the layout and architectural elements of the building. One of the key design interventions includes the addition of a new double-height reception space, which floods the area with natural light and creates a visually striking entrance for visitors. In order to enhance wayfinding and improve the overall visitor experience, we have incorporated a curtain-walled glazed entrance. This not only serves as a visually appealing feature but also provides clear visibility and guidance to those entering the building. Moreover, the dining area has been re-configured to optimise its layout and flow. By improving the distribution of natural light within the dining area, we aim to create a more pleasant and inviting environment for individuals to gather, interact, and enjoy their meals.

The centre will be accessible to all sections of the local and wider community and will aim to meet its changing needs. Providing accommodation for both local community groups and private sector organisations will enhance local services for the community and day-care users, particularly for those people who face difficulties accessing provisions appropriate to their needs and circumstances.

The building also seeks to act as a repository of local history with a focus on celebrating African and Caribbean heritage within the local area and recording the charitable history of ACCG in the locality.

The ACCG’s colour palette, influenced by artists like Lubaina Himid and Sonia Boyce, embraces vibrant hues derived from African and Caribbean cultural traditions, evoking a sense of “home” for its community. community