Posted On November 06, 2017
Wycombe Leisure Centre wins Inclusive Environment Award 2017
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) presented the ‘award of awards’, sponsored by G&T, at the Inclusive Environment reception. The evening was held at last year’s winning project, Five Pancras Square, with Wycombe Leisure Centre taking home the coveted prize.
"It is inspiring to see schemes embracing inclusion from the start of a project. It shows what can be achieved when we work with the whole community and aim for true inclusion."Professor John Nolan, CIC Chairman
Both the CIC and G&T recognise the importance of showcasing exemplar projects which achieve a safe, accessible and flexible environment for all. As part of this effort the Inclusive Design Award was created to celebrate those making changes within professional services whilst raising awareness about the importance of inclusion.
CIC Chairman, Professor John Nolan commented:
“It is inspiring to see schemes embracing inclusion from the start of a project. It shows what can be achieved when we work with the whole community and aim for true inclusion. LABC has demonstrated the benefits of an Inclusive Design Award encouraging members to champion the achievement of an inclusive environment in all their projects”
Tony Burton, CIC Chair of Inclusive Environments added:
“This scheme demonstrates not just compliance with minimum standards but shows what can be done when you go the extra mile, making inclusion a key part of the initial strategic brief.”
Wycombe Leisure Centre fought off competition from the Francis Crick Institute and Stihl Treetop Walkway, who were both shortlisted for the award. The judging panel was particularly impressed with the scheme's integration, working with a diverse range of stakeholders from the outset and throughout.
“The team at Wycombe worked hard to make sure that the leisure centre was designed and constructed to be as inclusive as possible.”Alison Pipes, Wycombe District Coucil
The state of the art facility was designed to encourage greater sports participation from all members of the Wycombe District and beyond. A focus on accessibility for the disabled led to developments such as indoor bowls, a pool with a moveable floor and WC changing places.
Alison Pipes, from Wycombe District Council commented:
“The team at Wycombe worked hard to make sure that the leisure centre was designed and constructed to be as inclusive as possible. This award is testament to the dedication showed by everyone involved in the building project and the continued running of the leisure centre”.
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