Providing vital services for the Castle Vale community in Birmingham, The Sanctuary community hub has benefitted from a number of improvements recently, including new windows and a refurbishment of the sensory room. Now, thanks to contributions from Nationwide Windows & Doors’ Social Value Fund, the main hall has been audibly transformed with the installation of acoustic panels and sound-dampening features.
Leonie Hammond, Contracts Manager at The Pioneer Group said: “Due to the materials used during the original construction of the main hall at The Sanctuary, the acoustics of the space were really poor and sound echoed significantly.
“This presented a particular challenge for the elderly and hard-of-hearing members of the community visiting the centre, who were struggling to hear clearly during our sessions and activities.”
A professional acoustics consultant was hired to assess the space and propose how the sound quality could be improved within the main hall. The recommendation was for acoustic panels and other sound-dampening features to be installed.
Nationwide provided funding for the entire acoustics project, delivering a quieter space with fewer echoes to help create a space that more of The Sanctuary’s visitors can enjoy.
Leonie adds: “The generous funding from Nationwide has meant we could improve the acoustics of the entire hall, enhancing the overall experience and making The Sanctuary a more accessible and inclusive space for everyone, including people with hearing difficulties.”
