Enabling students with different mobility requirements to fully participate.
Written by: Grace Nguyen, Access Consultant
Architecture & Access was engaged by Gray Puksand to provide access consulting services for the William Angliss Institute – Providore & Gastronomy Centre, with involvement commencing in late 2023 and the project formally starting in early 2024.
The main scope of works involved the redevelopment and refurbishment of Building D West on Level 3.
The 560‑square‑metre redevelopment transformed two existing kitchens into larger, integrated learning kitchen spaces, increasing the number of working benches and creating an open‑plan entry lobby connected to the corridor, incorporating informal seating and learning areas.
This upgraded facility can now accommodate a broader range of training disciplines, including Cookery, Patisserie, Baking, and other gastronomy-related programs.
Design Process
During the design process for the Providore & Gastronomy Centre, our Access Consulting services included a site audit of existing conditions to assess and provide advice for the feasibility appraisal, identifying where upgrade works were required and where existing conditions could be accepted. We also provided access advice throughout the design development and tender stages.
The objective was to assist the project team in providing the optimal solution for the learning spaces, with accessibility playing a significant role throughout the project.
The project features adjustable benches and workstations in each classroom kitchen. Height-adjustable benches and preparation tables allow students with different mobility requirements — including those using wheelchairs — to participate fully. An accessible sanitary amenity is also included within the facility.
We also assisted in providing Performance Solution Assessments to help the project team meet deliverables that align with user needs. We actively engaged with the project team and the Building Surveyor to expedite the design process and obtain the building permit in a timely manner.
Additionally, Building D North commenced conceptual design as part of the Providore and Gastronomy Centre on the Ground Floor and Level 1. The Institute had a vision of creating a ‘providore’ area for students to provide demonstrations, sell student-created products, promote events, and incorporate food service utilising the Bistro kitchen — assisting in pursuing future funding. We assisted the feasibility and concept design review for this scope.
Outcome and Impact
The refurbished Providore & Gastronomy Centre is still under construction but is expected to deliver a proactive, agile, accessible and inclusive learning space that reflects William Angliss Institute’s mission to provide high-quality, industry-relevant cookery education for all students. By adopting accessibility principles and accommodating the needs of all students, the Institute enables more equitable participation in practical culinary training.
Image 1 (feature): The cooking classrooms are provided with height adjustable bench as an accessible option in each classroom.
Door circulation and turning spaces within the classroom are accessible and adequate, allowing access to and from the accessible counter.
Image 2.: A clear path of travel with adequate circulation space is provided throughout the corridor, along with a selection of seating arrangements that include both high and low options.
The carpet is flush with the surrounding floor surface, creating a appearance while also ensuring an accessible and safe pathway.
Image credit: Tatjana Plitt
