Retractable seating is a significant investment – but one that can open the door to diverse new sources of revenue, as the following case study illustrates.
Herongate Leisure Centre: Background
Herongate Leisure Centre is a private sports and leisure club located on the outskirts of Hungerford, Berkshire.
The development of a new dance and aerobics studio presented the Centre´s owners with an opportunity. Developing the studio as a multipurpose space with retractable conference seating, audiovisual equipment, and a coffee/networking space would create a facility that was quite unique in the local area, and could attract theatre groups, film clubs, community organisations and local businesses.
Specifying the Retractable Seating System
Following a period of consultation, which included a visit to Audience Systems´ factory and showroom, the priorities for the seating emerged. Facilities Manager Gill Scott explains: “Comfort was a real concern. So many times you visit the theatre and the seats are uncomfortable – that´s not the impression we want people to take away from here!”
The chosen chairs are a high backed version of the Espace 628T chair offering comfort combined with a slim, space saving profile. The chairs also include a foldaway writing tablet to help the venue to attract conferences.
To minimise time and cost each time the room is reconfigured, the telescopic system opens and closes at the push of a button, the chairs fold down automatically, and the “self-storing” side rails do not have to be removed when the system is closed.
Some additional Espace 628T chairs were also supplied on the removable “Matrix” system, which can be quickly deployed in front of the telescopic units when additional seating capacity is required.
Installing the Seating
The installation took place in February 09 and was not without its challenges, as the facility was at first floor level with limited access. Audience Systems´ Projects team overcame this in accordance with health and safety best practice. To protect the sprung dance floor, “running boards” were provided to distribute the point loads of the system as the platforms opened.
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