A great glass elevator for our new centenary

Our current lift is too small for modern wheelchairs, both manual and electric. It is old, subject to breakdown, with spares difficult to secure.

The Flag Officers have decided that it should be replaced with a new lift that will serve those members with limited mobility, be large enough for today’s wheelchairs, internal use electric buggies and also pushchairs.

Reporting to Rear Commodore House, Peter Blick, a project team was formed: Robert Young RIBA, Martyn Kemp RIBA ret’d; Stephen Crates and Michael Derrick. The team has investigated locations, in consultation with respresentative wheelchair users. Consideration has been given to those members who find walking up the stairs difficult, together with family members with small buggies. The location of the disabled facilities also was considered. The conclusion is an internal glass lift located in the foyer going to the first floor (similar in style to the one pictured above).

At some stage in the future it is intended to provide for ramp access to the Club front doors. In the meantime, access will continue via the rear door.

We do hope that the new facility will be appreciated by everyone. The new lift will vastly improve our disabled access and provision for people with limited mobility, as well as for young families.

Installation is scheduled to be completed by mid-March 2022 in time for the sailing season and our Centenary events. Please see the plans below, showing how the new lift will fit into the ground floor and first floor at the Club.