PRTV/SRV/81.04

A structural and navigational survey of the South Wing access routes, commissioned during the 1981 refurbishment review.

SUMMARY

This document records a routine access and circulation survey undertaken prior to the refurbishment of the South Wing of the Peterlee Science Centre.
Carried out by the District Technical Services Department in spring 1981, the survey aimed to assess the condition and usability of the South Wing’s internal service routes, including:

• cross-corridor visibility
• stairwell traffic patterns
• emergency egress
• goods-movement pathways between Testing Bays A–C

Although modest in scope, the survey reflects changing expectations in public-facing scientific facilities during the early 1980s – particularly the need for improved accessibility, clearer signage, and updated safety zoning.

SURVEY FINDINGS

1. Vertical Circulation

• Stair 2 identified as the primary public route; handrail replacements recommended.
• Lift access (installed 1978) functioning but subject to intermittent door faults.
• Movement of test equipment between floors restricted during peak hours.

2. Horizontal Circulation

• Corridor narrowing observed near Testing Bay C due to temporary storage.
• Signage found to be inconsistent between North and South wings.

3. Egress Routes

• South-facing fire exit compliant but requires repainting and new push-pad mechanism.
• External ramp gradient steeper than current County guidance (1980).

4. Internal Wayfinding

• Recommended installation of new pictogram signage scheme aligned with the 1980 County Technical Services standard.
• Increased use of colour-banded floor markings advised.

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

• Full circulation model to be reviewed before next refurbishment cycle (1984).
• Draft proposal issued for new Emergency Route Map.
• Survey appended to the 1981 Operations Report but never formally published