Making a Nuneaton Performing Arts Charity Safer and Warmer
Replacing two ageing fire exits with FD60 fire doors to improve safety, security and comfort
Project Overview
Sector: Charity / Community
Location: Nuneaton
Property: Performing arts studio
Project: Emergency fire door replacement
Programme: 1 day
Client Profile
Client Profile
A performing arts charity in Nuneaton provides classes and opportunities for around 200 children each week. The building is also used by other members of the local community, making it a busy space throughout the week.
The charity relies on grant funding to complete essential works, meaning building works have to be carefully prioritised.
IL Solutions assessed the condition of the property and is working with the charity to complete improvements in stages as funding becomes available.
“Safety is obviously important, but so is keeping the building warm. We had children coming to dance in leotards and shorts, while so much heat was escaping through the old doors. When you’re running a charity on limited funds, winter energy bills make a huge difference.”
— Faye, Committee Member
The Challenge
The existing timber on two external doors was deteriorating, with significant gaps around the doors allowing heat to escape. During the winter, the charity had seen energy bills rise to more than £2,000 – a considerable cost for an organisation working hard to make limited funds go further.
Used as fire exits, the doors were secured with multiple locks, making them unsuitable for emergency egress. The charity needed a solution that would provide appropriate emergency exits, maintain security and help create a warmer, more comfortable environment for everyone using the studio.
What We Did
A phased overnight programme allowed the kitchen to remain operational throughout the refurbishment.
Existing tiles, ceiling grid and lighting were carefully removed before a new grid system was installed. New washable mineral fibre ceiling tiles were fitted, together with upgraded LED and emergency lighting. Temporary lighting was used while the electrical work progressed.
Kitchen equipment and surrounding work areas were carefully protected throughout, helping maintain the hygiene standards required in a commercial food preparation environment.
With between three and six operatives on site each night, including two electricians, careful coordination between trades helped keep the programme moving efficiently.
Services Delivered
- Site survey and risk assessment
- Two FD60 emergency exit doors
- Door frame replacement
- Temporary lighting
- Associated joinery and remedial work
- Project management
The Result
The charity now has two purpose-built emergency exits that are considerably easier to operate, secure from outside and better suited to a busy building used by children and adults throughout the week.
The significant gaps around the old doors have been eliminated, reducing draughts and creating a more comfortable environment for children using the studio.
The new doors also look smarter and more professional.
Key Outcomes
- Building secured externally
- Significant draughts addressed
- Improved comfort and safety for building users
- Smarter appearance
- Simple push-bar emergency egress
“We trust IL Solutions to know what's needed, and their quotes are incredibly detailed. The amount we were invoiced matched exactly what we’d been quoted, so we know where we stand. The team were absolutely lovely and polite, and just got on with the job. The way they cleaned up afterwards was amazing. There’s more work to do at the building and, as we secure the funding, we want Ian and his team to come back and do it.”
— Faye, Committee Member
Lessons from this project
Building improvements don't always have to happen at once.
For charities and community organisations working with limited budgets, prioritising essential works and completing projects as funding becomes available can provide a practical way to improve and maintain their buildings.
Working in buildings used by children requires the right approach.
With a holiday programme taking place during the works, risk management, dbs-checked operatives, good communication and careful site housekeeping were all important.
One carefully planned improvement can solve several problems.
Replacing the deteriorating doors addressed emergency access, security, draughts and comfort through a single project.
Planning improvements to a charity or community building?
Whether you have an immediate priority or a longer list of improvements to work through, IL Solutions can help you assess what's needed and plan the work around your building, budget and available funding.
Tell us what you need.
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