The Yard Dundee reopens after major transformation

The Yard Dundee has reopened following a £1.5 million transformation, creating a fully accessible, welcoming and inclusive space for disabled children and young people, alongside their families.

The refurbished centre provides a safe and inspiring environment where children can play, grow and connect, while families feel supported, empowered and included. The transformation marks an important milestone for The Yard in Dundee and strengthens its ability to meet the growing needs of local families.

Children and Young People’s Minister, Natalie Don-Innes, welcomed the reopening of The Yard Dundee and the impact the centre will have for local families.

She said, “This facility provides a wonderful place for disabled children and young people in the wider Dundee region to play and be themselves, which makes a huge difference to their lives and to their families.”

A space shaped by families

The Dundee service was established ten years ago after Service Development Manager Gill Thomson approached The Yard in Edinburgh while searching for inclusive play opportunities for her own son. Since then, the service has become a vital part of the local community.

Families played an active role in shaping the redevelopment, helping to ensure the renewed space reflects what children and parents value most. The transformation includes a new roof, a Changing Places room, a sensory room, expanded play areas, improved office and meeting spaces, and a large kitchen and dining area. A fully inclusive outdoor play space has also been created, offering new opportunities for adventure and connection.

Opening the door to new support

The upgrades have enabled The Yard Dundee to secure Care Inspectorate registration, opening the door to expanded services. This includes the introduction of respite care, alongside out-of-school clubs, school holiday provision, early years support and tailored work with schools and families. New services will begin launching from early 2026, starting with respite care.

These developments respond directly to the needs of families and reflect The Yard’s commitment to providing support at the point it is needed most.

A collective achievement

Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive of The Yard, said,
“We are incredibly proud of what has been achieved at The Yard Dundee. Alongside the children and families we work with, we had bold aspirations for what we wanted and are exceptionally proud of the result. We are deeply grateful to all who supported us, from funders and contractors to the many local people who donated to our appeal. Together, they have helped us create not just a new building, but a vital and play-ready community resource.”

She added,
“With this inclusive and accessible space, we can now focus on what The Yard does best: providing a welcoming place where children and families can play, belong and connect. That includes delivering much-needed respite provision, a growing national challenge that we are determined to help address. As we continue to develop The Yard into a nationally recognised Centre of Excellence

With thanks

The transformation of The Yard Dundee was made possible through the generous support of a wide range of funders, partners and supporters.

We are grateful to the Scottish Government and Dundee City Council. The Edward Gostling Foundation. Gannochy Trust. NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation. Northwood Charitable Trust. Robertson Trust. SPAR Community Cashback and Tay Charitable Trust for their vital contributions to the project.

We would also like to thank the local community who supported the redevelopment through donations, fundraising and practical help, demonstrating the strength of community support for The Yard in Dundee.

Our thanks extend to the professional team who brought the project to life, including James F Stephen Architects. Hardies Property & Construction Consultants and Andrew Shepherd Construction. Whose expertise and commitment helped deliver a welcoming, accessible and inclusive space for children and families.

Together, this collective effort has created a lasting community resource that will support disabled children and their families in Dundee for years to come.