BYC Disability Project
Clubhouse access and bathroom improvements to support people with disabilities
Background
Our clubhouse was built and opened in the early 1980's at a time when disabled access to the building and its facilities were not part of the planning regulations. Our doors are narrow, and there are too many steps. Many members either due to age or disability were finding it extremely difficult or completely impossible, to access the clubhouse; especially the first floor and the toilets / changing rooms.
Some of our members have medical conditions requiring a toilet with more privacy plus our membership is also getting that bit older.
Our Actions (see photos below)
In order to address these issues, in 2021/2 we made the following improvements to the clubhouse:
a) Installed a dedicated disabled toilet and shower room to the ground floor of the club-house
This was achieved by infilling the front of the clubhouse under the canopy area around the current front entrance door. Fitting out this area had three advantages:
- The main building infrastructure was already in place, keeping construction cost to a minimum
- Provided a further large outer entrance hallway
- Provided a much-needed storage room for our Entertainments Committee
b) Installed a 'Wheel-Chair" lift to provide access from the ground floor to the first floor
Due to the space required, the Wheelchair lift was installed externally, linked to the eastern balcony.
c) Installed a powered opening door to the first floor eastern side into the building from the balcony.
Much of the above work was carried out by Club Members
