Network Rail through MFG
DIA and Accessibility Audit at Crewe Depot
DIA and Accessibility Audit at Crewe Depot
Our client MFG appointed Vextrix to deliver Accessibility Services on the upgrade and extension of the existing Network Rail Welfare and Office Facilities at Crewe Rail Depot in Cheshire, in addition to our appointment to provide Design Services on the project.
The Accessibility Services team was appointed to the project to prepare and deliver a Diversity Impact Assessment (DIA) and conduct an Accessibility Audit of the facilities.
With the construction of a new extension to the building, which included the addition of a lift to provide step-free access to the first floor, it was vital to assess the accessibility of the existing part of the building. This assessment ensured that the facilities on both floors met the required accessibility standards and were inclusive of all users.
The audit included the existing facilities and proposed improvements, which covered:
Vextrix was appointed to complete an Accessibility Audit to identify necessary improvements required to upgrade the building’s accessibility on both the ground and first floors. The audit provided recommendations to ensure the building met the required accessibility and inclusion standards, making it fully accessible to all individuals.
Our NRAC-approved auditor visited the site to take photographs and measurements to assess the building’s current accessibility provisions. The building was audited in line with the requirements of the British Standards BS8300, both externally and internally. When completing the Access Audit, our team considered the protected characteristics detailed in the Equality Act 2010 and produced a thorough photographic report that included all measurements and recommendations for meeting the required accessibility standards.
Through the team’s varied experience in producing Diversity Impact Assessments (DIA’s) for railway projects, supporting landlords’ consent applications as part of the design approval process, our registered members of NRAC, provided the client with a reliable understanding of the accessibility standards and the proposed improvements in line with the required rail industry standards.
This added value to the project as our prior knowledge of the design from our DIA work ensured continuity through to the access audit. The team were able to integrate the DIA assessment, access audit, and design scope, providing a comprehensive view of the existing accessibility provisions and the necessary and proposed improvements for the building. This approach allowed us to complete the full cycle of the accessibility evaluation and enhancement.