New home for Windsor Shopmobility

Long-held aspirations to find a permanent home for Windsor Shopmobility look set to become a reality with its planned move to the redeveloped King Edward Court in the autumn.

Bigger, better and more centrally-located – that's the prospect in store for users of the popular service for people with mobility difficulties which is set to move into new, modern facilities in the revamped car park from its current temporary home off Bachelors Acre before the new shops open in the massive King Edward Court redevelopment.

Cllr Mike Bruton, chairman of the Windsor and Maidenhead Users network (WAMU), said:  "Right from the beginning of the Shopmobility service in Windsor, working with the Royal Borough, we have been seeking centrally-located, permanent accommodation. We have long ago outgrown our premises off Bachelors Acre, which were always only intended to be temporary.

"It will be wonderful to move into new purpose-built premises right in the centre of the town, giving all our users much easier access to the shops – and all under cover as well."

The relocated Shopmobility – which offers a service providing electric scooters, and both electric and manual wheelchairs to people with mobility difficulties – will feature:
· free parking for Shopmobility users in parking bays adjacent to the Shopmobility office
· a properly-designated area for wheelchairs and scooters next to the new office
· an accessible toilet for Shopmobility users (not currently provided at the Shopmobility facility off Bachelors Acre)
· two fully refurbished and accessible lifts to take users between floors
· a free drop-off point adjacent to the Shopmobility office for taxis bringing users to the new facility
· bigger offices to receive Shopmobility users
· A 99-year lease on the building.

The new facility will be located on the fifth floor of the redesigned car park, with access directly to the main shopping centre on level four and the new Waitrose store on level six by means of the two newly-refurbished lifts next door to the Shopmobility office. 

Shopmobility volunteers will be available to escort users from the car park via the lifts to the shopping areas by prior appointment.

Royal Borough access officers are currently in discussions with King Edward Court to explore options for dropping-off points for community buses as well as high personal vehicles which may experience difficulties getting into the car park.
 
Cllr Antony Wood, lead member for traffic and transport, said: "This will be a fantastic new facility for Shopmobiity, bringing the service right into the heart of the shopping centre and creating even greater opportunities for people with mobility difficulties to shop in comfort in the town.

"In addition, there will be no charge for taxis and other vehicles dropping off users at Shopmobility. Everything will be under cover, ensuring a dry and comfortable trip from the offices in the lift to the shopping centre – something which has not been possible at its current site.

"The fact that we will be taking out a 99-year lease on this facility demonstrates our commitment to our residents and visitors who have mobility problems – and to making the whole shopping experience in Windsor as comfortable and enjoyable as possible."