We’re delighted to announce that West Cheltenham Partnership has successfully bid for funds to improve the community resource centres at Hesters Way and Springbank. The funds from the Barnwood Trust will support the following accessibility improvements to the community centres;
NEW LIFT AT HESTES WAY
We identified issues with the existing lift at HWCRC which means that many using walking sticks and wheelchair users are unable to use the lift unaided. (The door mechanism is not automated the door is very heavy). The lift mechanism is manual which can be difficult for users with some sight or reading issues. The new lift would address all these shortcomings and also offer a lift communication system that allows trapped passengers a means to contact emergency services by automatically dialling pre-programmed two-way voice communication system when an alarm button is pressed.
CHANGING PLACES TOILET AT HESTERS WAY
The current provision for accessibility toilets at Hesters Way does not meet best practice. The new toilet would address all the recommendations from the report and provide facilities not only for users of the building but also the community facilities nearby including the Edinburgh Place shops, library and Oasis building. Improvements will include an adjustable height adjustable changing table and wash basin, peninsular WC, drop down support arms & vertical and horizontal grab rails , privacy screen and ceiling track hoist (if feasible).
HEARING LOOPS AT HESTERS WAY AND SPRINGBANK
We will be in fitting two hearing loops to the conference room at Hesters Way and the main hall at Springbank. The new system is a digital wireless standard that operates to boost speech understanding in all noise levels and over distance. It wirelessly transmits the speaker’s voice directly to the listener.
TWO NEW ACCESSIBLE GARDENS AT SPRINGBANK
Our garden space adjacent to the main hall currently doesn’t have a level access so this change will allow easier access into the garden, the gravel which is now the surface treatment will be replaced with a smooth bonded base which will be used throughout the garden. These improvements will provide access for wheelchair users to the raised beds and seating area which will form the garden infrastructure. The new scheme will incorporate the existing trees which were planted in 2010 and have matured well and add depth, height, texture and aroma to give access to a full range of sensory experiences. Its south facing aspect and direct access to the neighbouring park makes it a space for quiet contemplation whilst also offering respite from the main hall activities.
A similar approach will be used to develop the new garden to the southwest of the site but here the well-constructed cobbles already provide a good ground structure. The benefits of this space are its public setting, easy access and proximity to other park facilities, but it too will offer a tranquil space for all the community to share.
IMPROVED ACCESSIBLE PARKING AT HESTERS WAY
The improvements proposed to accessible car parking spaces will allow for more space adjacent to the bays to ease access to the vehicles making getting in and out easier and safer and meeting government standards for width, length, and access zones.
IMPROVED ACCESSIBLE SEATING AT HESTERS WAY
Additional seating in the lobby areas, designed to allow people with mobility issues to get into and out of seating will make the space much more inclusive and allow greater independence for centre users.
IMPROVED SIGNAGE AT HESTERS WAY AND SPRINGBANK
We will also address the inconsistencies in and clarity of signage across the premises to make the buildings easier to navigate for people with sight and mental health issues.
The user experience of the community centres will be enhanced by a knowledgeable and informed staff and volunteer team trained to be more confident and welcoming.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
We will update this page as new developments are added. In the meantime we’ll be gathering a group of local potential users to help us make sure the changes meet the needs of the whole community