Abbeydale Tennis Club

Step Free Access for Tennis Club

Requirement

Step-free access was a priority for Abbeydale Tennis Club, as part of its £1.5 million refurbishment. This was because its new luxury member’s clubhouse, housing four new tennis courts, was to be split over two levels. A platform lift was required to provide step-free access between the upper and lower level indoor tennis courts. The user-operated disabled lift would need to comply with Part M of the Building Regulations and the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 2005. The platform lift would also need to fit in well with its surroundings.

Solution

vertical platform lift was specified for the project. This access lift does not affect the structure or supports of a building. The Vertical platform lift comes complete with its own shaft enclosure, with a high quality finish on the inside and outside of the shaft, which blends into the surroundings of the clubhouse. Consideration had to be given towards the finishes of the lift to ensure this.

The platform lift was installed by providing a 50mm recess in the floor; this created flush, level access for users at the ground level. Glazed doors are featured on the lift’s entrance levels, again complementing the modern interior of the club.

The flooring of the lift is slip resistant as standard, and other safety items include full contact perimeter safety edges, continuous pressure buttons and battery backup in case of power failure.

Benefits

Abbeydale Tennis Club is now wheelchair accessible and compliant with the DDA, Part M of the Building Regulations and BS (British Standard) 6440:1999. Following the installation, at the request of the tennis club, key switches were fitted to lifts to prevent improper use.

The tennis club was pleased to note a rise in disabled people wanting to take part in sport at the club. The platform lift has also been welcomed by staff, who use the lift when moving heavy equipment.

Get in touch to talk through
your access requirements

Contact us