Church building becomes an accessible community hub
5
5
Date of visit: February 2016
I am a carer or friend of a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Excellent
The creation of a new fully accessible entrance with automatic door and lift to both levels has completed the transformation of this Victorian church building into a modern community resource for Gorgie-Dalry, offering a variety of activities throughout the week and throughout the year, and halls for hire.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
Excellent given the constraints of a Victorian building. A shallow ramp leads to a side door equipped with intercomm system connecting to both halls and all the offices. The door is automatic and opens outwards. Inside there is a platform lift (doors manual, opening outwards, controls all at an appropriate level) with room for 1 wheelchair user and 1 accompanist. The lift gives access both to the upper and lower halls and the offices. The upper hall is approached via a spacious vestibule, with double doors, opening outwards - wheelchair users might need assistance. The circulating spaces in the lower level are generous, and the lower hall is wheelchair accessible. The office doors are also wide enough for a wheelchair. The upper hall is equipped with a loop system for the benefit of hearing aid users.
Parking & Transport
Good
Parking is a mixture of permit and meter - the venue has no parking. Dalry Road is well served by Lothian buses 3, 4, 25, 33, 44 and 44A with stops (outward bound and city bound) very close to the Community Resource Centre. The Centre is about 15 minutes wheel from Haymarket Station, mostly reasonable pavements and drop downs,with the odd short stretch of cobbles and the occasional pothole.
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
There is a well-equipped accessible toilet in the vestibule on the upper level. The manual door opens outwards. Inside the toilet is spacious and well-equipped with grab rails and a red alarm cord stretching down to floor level. There is also a washbasin and a baby-changing station. Space has been created from a similar accessible toilet on the lower level, to be equipped when funds allow.
Staff
Excellent
I can only speak from personal experience, as staffing is the responsibility of the different community groups and activities who use the halls. The welcomers of the Episcopal Church congregation which worships in the upper hall on Sunday mornings (10.30am start) are friendly and pro-active, as are the volunteers who run the Parent/Carer and Toddler Group and the Gorgie-Dalry Toy Library on Monday mornings (10am-11.30am for both).
Additional Information
The Community Resource Centre's website at http://smcrc.org/ gives details of activities and events taking place in the building and contact details for people wishing to hire space. The Community Resource Centre works in partnership with Health All Round and other community groups to promote a range of activities and opportunities for local people.
