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Access for All
The installation of an
Moveman SKG lift at the
Wallich centre offered an
access solution within the
confines of the existing
building with minimum
renting land or property, and employment. The installation of a freestanding office
It aims to end discrimination and states structure resolves these demands.
disturbance to the
employers must make reasonable adjustments The lift satisfied the requirement for access
historical fabric. to make their premises accessible. This could to upper floors efficiently and cost effectively.
mean putting in a ramp or lift to replace steps, Due to its compact mechanism and weight, it
he Wallich is a vital charity or improving access to toilet and washing could be successfully integrated within the
T
providing support to homeless facilities. Extended in 2004 and 2005, the DDA confines of the existing building with minimum
and vulnerable housed people. is a vital consideration in the planning and disturbance to the historical fabric. With its
It works together with clients, other construction of workplaces. clean, modern styling and detailing it fits in
agencies and government to Latter Davies; a Cardiff based Architect’s equally well with the new modern structure and
deliver innovative solutions to homelessness Practice; has designed a three-storey structure with the original historic structure. It looks good
that offer much more than just shelter. of offices within the existing building, with the in its surroundings.”
2008 marks the charity’s 30th anniversary, and ground floor serving as a training centre and At Yr Hen Eglwys, the three-stop lift travels
since 1978 they have grown from a single hostel with a fourth storey plant room. The structure is nearly six metres and features power operated
in Cardiff, to a multi-project agency with freestanding and being independent of existing doors for easy access. It fits in a tight space, yet
services for homeless people across Wales. walls and of the vaulted ceiling, it does not the platform is big enough to accommodate a
The Wallich now supports over 500 people a damage the original building and the church’s wheelchair user plus one carer. A white finish
day, employs some 183 people and operates original interior space is still discernible, thus and stainless steel fittings give the lift a modern,
more than 30 projects across 13 local preserving its historical value. contemporary appearance and allow it to blend
authorities. As a result of this expansion, it has The new mezzanine structure is curved in smartly with the surroundings. available in a
been necessary to upgrade the charity’s plan and in cross-section; the balustrade is variety of colours and materials, which makes for
headquarters to a larger and more user-friendly curved and finished in timber board. This gives its seamless integration into any environment.
base. In June last year, The Wallich’s it a nautical appearance – some have Gareth Corbin, Development Team Leader at
administration centre made the move from compared the parapet to a model ship in a The Wallich, is delighted; “Our new offices
small, shabby offices above a café, to Yr Hen bottle. The structure maintains the church’s provide us with a comfortable workplace and
Eglwys, an elegant and imposing former sense of scale and space, while providing three space for training exercises. Previously, we had
Presbyterian church on Cardiff’s prestigious times the floor area. to hire other venues for this purpose, which was
Cathedral Road. A platform lift allows wheelchair users to tremendously expensive. It performs reliably
The building was empty, only the exterior access each of the three floors. It stands within a and we have had positive feedback from users.”
shell remained. This meant constructing new beech timber clad, purpose-built frame, which Lifting 400kg up to nine metres and requiring
internal office facilities. The church is over 100 also acts as a structural brace. no wall or supporting structure. User friendly,
years old and a listed building. Laws protect Gwyn Davies, Managing Partner of Latter ergonomic controls make the lift simple to
these sites and their historical significance, Davies and the project architect said: operate and it is LANTAC (Local Authority
which means any alterations or changes must “Workplaces must be accessible to the less National Type Approval Confederation)
not damage the original building. As a able. Listed Buildings place additional approved. This means it has undergone rigours
workplace, the church must also comply with demands on achieving this owing to the laws safety checks and is compliant with building
the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). that protect them. The access solution should regulations. Controlled acceleration and
Introduced in 1995, the DDA gives rights to enable all users to access the building deceleration eliminate uncomfortable jolting.
the less able in the areas of education, access independently whilst preserving the building’s The Wallich’s new headquarters benefits from
to goods, facilities and services, buying or original features. an excellent level of access. 128
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