In this example of Machan Engineering solutions, we look at how Machan Engineering works with councils on specialist regeneration projects in estates, with specialist considerations given to ease of use for disabled people.

The Castle Vale area, north east of Birmingham city centre, has been the subject of major regeneration initiatives from the early 1990s onwards. The area has gone from being held up as an example of a failed post-war overspill estate to, currently, a showcase of successful community-led improvement.

Farnborough Fields, Birmingham

The Farnborough Fields community play space and picnic area in Castle Vale is managed and maintained by Birmingham City Council, and needed new picnic seating. These were to be pleasing to the eye and comfortable to sit on. As the area is used by people of all ages and abilities, there was also the need to make sure that the benches met accessibility requirements.

Machan Engineering was called in to design and manufacture bespoke picnic benches for Farnborough Fields. The company consulted closely with the client, who had specific preferences when it came to the choice of material, finishes, sizes, optional features and colours

It was decided to make three of the picnic benches with only three seats, to ensure ease of access for wheelchair users. Another feature was also added to help comply with DDA guidelines and make the seats more pleasant to use for older people: an extra thick powder coating with minimal thermal conductivity was used, giving the seats a ‘warm-to-the-touch’ quality compared to when a regular powder coating is used.

Bespoke stainless steel picnic benches with green extra thick ‘warm-to-the-touch’ powder coating and space for disabled access.

 

A neutral, light moss green colour was used to make sure the picnic benches blended in well with their environment.

The client received bespoke picnic benches that are suitable for all age groups and levels of ability. The benches were produced cost-effectively and within budget.

For more information about Machan Engineering please visit www.machanengineering.com or give us a call on (+44) 01324 824309 to see how we can help you with your project.