Project works and site improvement works - an update
The project to improve accessibility at Ness continues apace this autumn and winter, when works begin in both the visitor centre and plant sales areas. The works to both areas will begin in October and will be completed in the new year. The majority of these works have been made possible through funding from the University of Liverpool’s Inclusive Campus Steering Group.
Dovecote Nurseries at Ness will be closed for this period, aside from the sale of festive wreaths as we near Christmas. When plant sales re-opens, the space will have been landscaped and paved, to provide a pleasing and safe environment. There will be more space for the wonderful plants stocked by Dovecote and the reinvigorated space will include a new covered pergola providing both the ability for different varieties of plants to be sold and to provide shelter during inclement or particularly hot weather.
A larger scale project will take place in the visitor centre during the same period and will involve the redevelopment of the toilet facilities. Once completed, the space will feature male and female toilets, a number of superloos (self-contained cubicles including a toilet, sink and hand-drying facilities), accessible facilities and a Changing Place. Unfortunately, these works are quite invasive and as a result, temporary toilets will be available to the front of the visitor centre for the duration of the works. This will mean the temporary loss of four accessible parking spaces to the front of the building. A number of accessible spaces remain, but if you have a concern regarding this please speak to the Ness team in advance of your next visit.
The lecture theatre will see some improvements too, with two wheelchair accessible spaces being introduced. In addition, a space to the rear of the lecture theatre will be converted into a quiet room, accessed via the visitor centre. This space will be publicly accessible and suitable for those requiring a quiet space for a number of reasons, including breast feeding and prayer.
The works inside the visitor centre will also include a new divider between the café and the entrance area of the visitor centre. The divider is sympathetic to the rest of the visitor centre design and will include an abundance of planting. We will also be undertaking some works to improve the appearance of the external patio area, including the planting of some herbs which will be used in the café kitchen.
There may also be some noise and other disruptions during these works, although we are hoping the majority of these types of work can take place outside of our usual opening hours allowing us to remain open as usual. Please do keep a look out on our website and social media as well as the Member’s e-newsletter for updates.
External works will also be completed during this time, including completing the final touches to the garden toilets, making them dementia friendly. The finishing touches are also being made to the mobility scooter storage, and it is anticipated that the scooters themselves will be available for (free) hire from spring 2024.
We thank you all for your patience while these works take place and trust that once complete all of our Members and visitors will appreciate these improvements to Ness Botanic Gardens!