TFT advised on the acquisition and subsequent transformation of former commercial offices at Jones Court in Cardiff’s city centre into a new fully-accessible community centre and headquarters for RNIB Cymru/CIB.

Following TFT’s pre-acquisition survey and the subsequent acquisition of Jones Court by RNIB Cymru/CIB, a feasibility study was undertaken and a number of refurbishment options were costed for consideration in order to create a friendly, accessible and welcoming ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the blind and visually impaired.

Included within the recommendations was the insertion of a passenger lift into the building to provide access to split upper floors, thus making all areas wheelchair-accessible. A new glazed entrance lobby and reception area was also created, leading into the CIB’s Resource Centre and public activity room at ground level and on to the RNIB’s offices in the upper floors.

This building is all about its details and having a thorough understanding of what was needed to promote the safety and independence of blind and partially sighted people means that Jones Court is a building that successfully functions for its community.

A delighted Ceri Jackson, Director of RNIB Cymru said:

Knowing that Jones Court was going to be used not only as our head office in Wales, but as a showcase for our Visibly Better accreditation scheme, meant careful consideration went in to it, to get it right for blind and partially sighted people. I am delighted with the finished product, and know that when visitors, staff, volunteers, service users, customers, or anyone else is in Jones Court, they will be able to navigate easily due to the accessibility features built in.

The opening ceremony was attended by The Rt. Hon. Carwyn Jones AM. First Minister of Wales. More details can be found here.