Down’s high quality work

Down’s high quality work

16 January 2013

THREE prestigious buildings which opened in Down District last year have received major awards from a prominent disability charity.

The new Down Council headquarters, the refurbished Down Arts Centre and the new Clough Surgery have all received Prestige Access Awards from the William Keown Trust in recognition of their facilities for disabled people.

Also receiving an award was the Tollymore National Outdoor Centre, in Bryansford, which opened two years ago.

The four local winners were among 21 from across the Province who received their awards at a special ceremony last week which was attended by the founder of the charity, Dundrum man, William Keown.

Down Arts Centre

The historic Arts Centre was reopened after a £1.4m refurbishment and extension. Despite being spread over three floors of an old building there are good facilities for people with disabilities including a loop system in the auditorium for people with hearing difficulties.

The reception area has automatic sliding doors along with lifts to the various floors and refuge areas at staircase landings with chairs and two-way communication for emergency use.

Down Council HQ

The new Down Council complex is located at the former Downshire Hospital estate. The offices are located in a refurbished section of the old hospital and in a new, purpose-built section which has been encorporated into the traditional building.

The reception has a lowered section of desk to accommodate wheelchair access and most entrances are level or have ramps. There are five designated parking bays, the disability toilets are well equipped and there are also facilities in the main toilets to help people using crutches. In the main chamber, all councillors’ seats are wheelchair accessible.

Clough Surgery

The new Clough Surgery contains a number of medical services including the surgery, which is linked to a surgery in Dundrum, a pharmacy, an optometrist, a physiotherapist and a podiatrist.

The waiting area is spacious and bright and has a self help check-in for the convenience of patients. There is a disability refuge area at the staircase landing which has signs, an evacuation chair and intercom in cases of emergency.

Tollymore Centre

The four story building has been designed to provide up-to-date facilities for people with disabilities. There are a number of bedrooms suitable for wheelchair users and dining areas are also fully equipped with suitable disability features.