Dream Centre project set up by Sussex children’s charity wins prestigious USA award

A magical centre in Sussex opened by The Duchess of Cornwall last year has won two top international awards.
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The Dream Centre was established by Chailey Heritage Foundation, a Sussex charity providing education, care and transition services to children and young adults with complex physical disabilities.

The installation, which can host performances and creative activities, tailored to young people’s needs, has received international recognition from the Themed Entertainment Association in its highly prestigious annual Thea awards in America.

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The Dream Centre will receive the Thea Award for ‘Outstanding Achievement – Immersive Design for Special Needs Guests’ as part of a virtual ceremony to be held in 2021.

Chailey Heritage Dream Centre Award 1 SUS-201124-102011001Chailey Heritage Dream Centre Award 1 SUS-201124-102011001
Chailey Heritage Dream Centre Award 1 SUS-201124-102011001

The project was also named ‘Education Project of the Year’ by AV Magazine in their 2020 AV Awards.

It means the Chailey Heritage Foundation charity finds itself amongst some of the highest profile brand names in the world; previous winners have included Universal, Disney World and many more.

Matt Barton, CEO of 7th Sense, who designed the installation said: “The Dream Centre is unlike any project we’ve worked on before. From the very beginning, it’s been an incredible process to be part of a team that has worked so hard to bring a vision to life.

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“We set out to provide Chailey Heritage with a creative toolbox and the young people and staff at the charity have embraced this, continuing to find new and inventive ways to use the technology and the space, which is what this is all really about.

Chailey Heritage Dream Centre Award 2 SUS-201124-102023001Chailey Heritage Dream Centre Award 2 SUS-201124-102023001
Chailey Heritage Dream Centre Award 2 SUS-201124-102023001

“It’s a wonderful achievement to see how the Dream Centre is creating incredible and memorable experiences. The awards are truly well deserved, and a reflection of the dedication of everyone involved.”

Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive at Chailey Heritage Foundation, said: “The installation of technology usually found in the world’s best known theme parks may seem unimaginable in a setting like ours, but we are committed to providing every opportunity for the young people in our care to pursue their potential and have as many experiences as possible.”

“In the time since the Dream Centre opened in October 2019, it has already delivered many stand-out moments, from its Royal opening by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall and Cirque du Chailey performance to the Christmas plays and panto last year and the inaugural Chailey Games.

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“But it is the ability to offer individually tailored experiences which can support the learning, healthiness, and happiness of the young people here at Chailey Heritage which makes it truly a dream come true.

“We would like to thank our technical partners, as without their expertise, the innovations in the Dream Centre would not have been possible.”

Among local partners were Brighton based TEECOM and Deacon and Rochardson architects. Sunninghill Construction, based at Haywrads Heath, was also involved in the project.