Improving accessibility has always been a recurring theme in the specification of Neaco’s products and so it proved again when our balustrade systems were called into service for entrance ramps at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service’s new cutting-edge Hull Central Fire Station.
The new 24-hour, fully staffed Hull Central Fire Station on Spring Street replaces the outdated fire station on Worship Street, providing sleeping accommodation for four watches, a new training hub, meeting accommodation, high specification gym and rest areas. The £2m city centre facility was designed by Jefferson Sheard Architects as part of a multi-disciplinary team established by Mace. The brief required an accessible and welcoming facility to serve the local community and Neaco’s contribution was integral to this key design objective with powder coated aluminium handrails and balustrade to steps and two extensive ramps at the main entrance. The system was also specified with glass infill panels for a first-floor terrace whilst our stainless steel balustrade was chosen for an internal stairwell.
Jefferson Sheard Architects’ Project Lead, Mark Fannon, commented:
“Health and safety and accessibility are always key drivers on all of our designs. Neaco’s balance of form and function enabled us to fulfill our brief with a cost effective solution, whilst achieving the desired aesthetic.”
The station’s location in the heart of the city, in a high traffic flow area, presented a challenge which required multiple entrance and exit points to enable the crews to avoid congested traffic and maximise the speed of response times. The overall £3.36m project has also delivered a firefighting facility crewed by on-call staff in the village of Brough. Both stations incorporate amenities such as IT training and meeting space and gym areas which can be accessed by community groups upon appointment. Jefferson Sheard Architects is very familiar with Neaco’s products, having specified them from a wide range of past projects encompassing a variety of sectors.
Neaco’s range of handrails, balustrade and balconies offers a huge range of modular components options including a variety of stanchions, top rails and various infills including vertical rails, horizontal rails, toughened glass, tension wire and perforated panels. The company’s diverse product range also includes structural glass, adaptive bathing facilities and versatile aluminium open grilles for flooring, screening, cladding and shading applications. All products are backed by a class-leading Lifetime Guarantee.