Whitchurch Silk Mill Trust – Access

Whitchurch Silk Mill Trust is a heritage and education charity which manages a 200 year old silk mill that is the oldest working heritage attraction of its type in the U.K. They retain rare skills and demonstrate their use 51 weeks of the year. The Silk Mill is a Grade II* listed building and currently the visitors have a difficulty in gaining access as it is not suited to those other than the able bodied. Access is compounded by lighting that is haphazard, glares and is very dim. The proposed ramp has been specified by a wheelchair bound expert which accords with the latest British Standard. It would provide handrails and a platform prior to the gradient down. The reception through which all users must go, fails miserably in terms of its quality of lighting for those with visual impairments. The existing light fittings will be removed and install 6 warm daylight fittings, reusing one track. This scheme will reduce energy consumption by two thirds and double the luminescence.