Glasgow creative hub to become more accessible

01/05/2026

A Glasgow-based creative hub is now able to improve accessibility at its city centre venue after securing new grant funding.

The Boardwalk has been awarded funding from FCC Communities Foundation’s Scottish Action Fund, which will support a vital upgrade to its facilities. The project will see six sets of heavy, non-automatic fire doors replaced with modern automatic-opening fire doors, transforming ease of access throughout the building once work is complete.

The doors, located along two main corridors, provide essential access to all office spaces, studios and the venue’s 120-seat black box theatre. Currently, the existing doors, installed in 2005, are heavy and can present a barrier for wheelchair users, people with limited mobility or grip strength, as well as those using walking aids or pushing buggies.

The planned upgrade will address these challenges, helping to ensure safer, more independent access for all visitors.

The Boardwalk is a vibrant and creative community hub that welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year, including young people taking part in Impact Arts programmes, alongside those attending performances, workshops, exhibitions, rehearsals, conferences and events.

As a social enterprise, The Boardwalk plays a vital role in supporting Impact Arts, one of Scotland’s leading arts charities, which works to tackle inequalities and address poverty through creativity and the arts.

Speaking about the forthcoming improvements, a spokesperson for the charity said:

“Thanks to support from the FCC Scottish Action Fund, we will be able to replace six sets of corridor fire doors, install automatic door openers, and ensure safe, independent access throughout the building, while meeting current accessibility expectations.

“This upgrade will directly benefit thousands of disabled visitors, early-career artists, creatives, community groups, families and young people who use The Boardwalk each year.

“The Boardwalk has quickly become an essential cultural resource in Glasgow city centre, supporting more than 200 organisations annually across the arts and third sector. As a social enterprise, all venue income directly supports Impact Arts’ life-changing creative programmes for people experiencing poverty, inequalities or social isolation.

“This accessibility upgrade represents an important step forward in ensuring that everyone can experience, create and participate in the arts at The Boardwalk.”

Pictured below is the Boardwalk venue in Glasgow