CBES Improves Accessibility for CWC
CBES recently completed a community project to refurbish an accessible toilet for the Wester Hailes Community Wellbeing Collective.
Based in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, Community Wellbeing Collective (CWC) is a fantastic local initiative focused on improving health, wellbeing and social inclusion for residents in the area.
The charity runs various programs and activities that support mental health, physical activity and community engagement, offering a safe, creative and welcoming space for everyone which combats social isolation and the negative effects of poverty. Their activities include various creative workshops, language exchanges, job search support, men's groups, community meals and physical classes like chair yoga and zumba. Something to suit everyone in their local community!
Accessibility is a huge part of their mission, so having facilities that meet the needs of all their visitors is essential.
City Building Engineering Services (CBES) are a leading UK-based provider of integrated construction and engineering solutions, operating as a specialist division of City Facilities Management. With a focus on delivering "constructive solutions," the firm offers a comprehensive range of in-house services—including refrigeration, mechanical and electrical engineering, fire and security, and full-scale construction.
They are committed to giving back to the communities they serve and their values include giving something back, building strong relationships with local charities and communities and using their skills to make positive impact to improve lives.
CBES are part of The University of Edinburgh's supply chain, and as the University is a key stakeholder in the ESES City Region Deal and are devoted to ensuring maximum positive community impact through all their contracts.
CBES Operations Manager, Martin Livingstone heard about the request from Community Wellbeing Collective and shared, "When we learned about the Collective's need for an upgraded accessible toilet through our framework partnership with The University of Edinburgh, we saw an opportunity help out and make a difference for the local community and the charity.
The existing facilities were outdated and didn't fully meet accessibility standards, so we volunteered our time and expertise to carry out a full refurbishment."
We were proud to have partnered with the Community Wellbeing Collective as part of our community benefits with The University of Edinburgh. It's a great example of what can be achieved when businesses, universities and communities work together. The Collective told us how the upgrade will make a huge difference for visitors with mobility challenges and parents with young children. It's rewarding to know how our work helps create a more inclusive environment.
In order to make the area accessible, safe and meet the needs of the wider community, the team including joiner Hugh McLeod and plumber Steven Murray carried out the following;
- Stripped out old fixtures and fittings
- Installed a new panic alarm call system to increase safety
- Boxed in existing waste and pipework for a cleaner looking finish and easier cleaning
- Created a new wetwall back partition to increase hygiene
- Repositioned the sink to improve accessibility
- Installed a new toilet and sink basin with modern fittings
- Added a new energy efficient radiator for comfort
- Installed a baby changing unit to support families
- Fitted an accessible toilet frame
- Repiped the existing radiator pipework in adjoining rooms to ensure efficiency
- Sanded, prepped, and redocorated walls and ceiling for a fresh, welcoming look
The team at CWC were delighted with the upgrade and told us, "We welcome around 8,400 visits each year. Many of our visitors are families, wheelchair users, or people with other disabilities. Having a fully accessible toilet and a baby-changing station has made a significant impact, allowing everyone in our community to use the space comfortably and with dignity.
CBES not only completed the work—installing handrails, an emergency alarm, and other accessibility features—but went above and beyond. They improved the space aesthetically, added a new toilet, a radiator, and a baby-changing station, which has made a huge difference for families. They also helped with other improvements across the building, fixing radiators and completing finishing touches that have transformed the space.
Thank you so much to the CBES team for your outstanding work and generosity. Martin, James, Steven, and everyone involved, we truly appreciate your time, care, and dedication in making our space more accessible. Your work has made a real difference, and it has been wonderful to see all the happy faces from visitors and community. We are deeply grateful for everything you’ve done."
CBES’s and ESES Communities’ support has made our space accessible for everyone. Thanks to CBES's generosity, we can now welcome families, wheelchair users, and people with diverse access needs in a comfortable and inclusive environment. This project means so much to us, as it helps us care for our community in the way they deserve.