One of the most prestigious contracts undertaken by Portable Offices so far this year has been the addition of a two storey modular building extension to enhance amenities at the AHOY Centre – a registered charity situated in London on the banks of the river Thames, that helps disadvantaged youngsters and people with disabilities to become involved in water sports.
Last week saw the official opening of The AHOY’s new modular building which includes additional space for a dedicated rowing room on the first floor where all 18 rowing machines are linked together with data share equipment to facilitate a simulated rowing race.
The launch of the new facilities was overseen by Clive Ongley, MBE and chair of AHOY trustees and the ribbon was cut by David Golton, LLB FCA from the London Marathon Trust.
Portable Offices’ management joined a throng of supporters of the charity at the headline event and saw first-hand the impressive facilities that are now on site.
To date, the centre has assisted over 9,000 people to experience sailing and other water sports and to gain recognised water sport qualifications and the new training rooms and specialised equipment will enable the growing number of disadvantaged and disabled people to accurately simulate exact rowing conditions and to go on to try their hand at an increasing array of water sports including a specially built craft – which can be solely manned and crewed by people with disabilities – The AHOY Freedom.
Because the building is literally on the Thames wall, flexible and durable accommodation was a necessity together with the need for speedy construction. As a result, the AHOY Centre approached Portable Offices to provide modular buildings as part of a full, turn-key package.
The Portable Offices’ team worked in tandem with the AHOY Centre management and volunteers to include specific design features and to price-engineer the building to meet the budget criteria. This included adapting the building so there was no transfer of noise or vibration from the rowing area.
Neil Christie, Manager of Portable Offices Luton depot oversaw the installation and was in attendance at the launch, he said: “It is wonderful to view the new facilities and to see the great contribution they are making to people’s lives.”
