Phase two works commence this summer
ALBION have completed the first phase of the Club’s stadium development to meet an accessibility upgrade for disabled supporters.
The Baggies are working to comply with the recommendations of a new Accessible Stadia and have now finished the first schedule of work in the Birmingham Road End and West Stand.
That work included:
• New wheelchair bays to the West Stand;
• Accessible toilet to the rear of “A” block;
• New BRE accessible entrance including access to a new concourse area complete with catering facilities;
• Construction of a further two accessible toilets to the BRE and refurbishment of the existing.
The works undertaken have been well received by supporters and praised by the Club’s Disabled Supporters' Group who enjoyed the new facilities at the recent game versus Crystal Palace.
And the Club’s efforts have also earned the seal of approval from Level Playing Field, the charity action group which campaigns on behalf of football’s disabled fans.
Their General Manager, Ruth Hopkins, said: 'I am impressed at the club's commitment to improve their facilities for disabled spectators and the ambitious plans they have put in place to comply with Accessible Stadia standards. This will be a 'Game Changer' for all disabled fans visiting the Hawthorns."
Phase II works, which are to be undertaken in the summer break include:
• Further wheelchair bays to the West stand;
• Additional wheelchair bays to the front of “A” block;
• Creation of an accessible concourse to the SME corner including additional washroom facilities and a “Changing Place” toilet.
Mark Miles, Director of Operations, said “I am pleased that we have been able to finally put into action many months of planning and deliver the first phase of our accessibility works.
“The recent improvements certainly seem to have gone down well with our existing supporters and the Club looks forward to completing the works in the summer.”
In addition to the physical changes to the stadium the club have identified a number of easy access and amenity seats throughout as well as delivering some bespoke training packages to staff to improve the match day experience for both disabled and able bodied supporters.
The existing provision of disability liaison stewards will also be increased in readiness for the 2017/18 season.
Further details of the clubs accessible facilities can be found in the “Access Statement” which can be found here.