Plas Y Brenin National Outdoor Centre
Creating safe, inclusive access to the water with a bespoke composite gangway
For organisations like Plas Y Brenin National Outdoor Centre, access to the water should never be a barrier to participation.
As part of its commitment to making outdoor activities more inclusive, the centre wanted to improve access to one of its lakes, allowing wheelchair users to safely launch and recover kayaks while creating a solution that would continue performing in one of the UK's most demanding environments.
Working alongside Dura Composites, MMS designed, fabricated and installed a bespoke accessibility gangway that balances durability, safety and thoughtful design with the needs of those who use it every day.
Project Snapshot
Location
Plas Y Brenin National Outdoor Centre, Betws-y-Coed, Wales
Sector
Outdoor Recreation & Education
Client
Plas Y Brenin National Outdoor Centre
Services
Design & Engineering
Fabrication
Marine Construction
Accessibility Solutions
Installation
Products Used
Dura d² Mini Mesh Grating
Dura Structural Profiles
Dura Safety Handrailing
Bespoke Stainless Steel Hinges
The Challenge
The aim of the project wasn't simply to build another gangway.
It was to make the lake more accessible.
The new access route needed to provide a safe, reliable connection between the shoreline and the floating pontoon, allowing wheelchair users to reach the water more comfortably while accommodating changing water levels throughout the year.
The location added another challenge.
Situated within the mountains of North Wales, the structure would be exposed to regular flooding, heavy rainfall, snow and prolonged periods of wet weather. Any solution had to be capable of withstanding these conditions while requiring very little ongoing maintenance.
Designing for people and the environment
Every accessibility project is different.
Rather than adapting a standard product, MMS fabricated a bespoke gangway designed specifically for the site and the way it would be used.
Using Dura d² Mini Mesh Grating supported by Dura Structural Profiles, the new gangway connects seamlessly with the existing floating platform using bespoke stainless steel hinges designed and fabricated specifically for the project.
The result is a durable, highly slip-resistant access route that adapts naturally to changing water levels while providing a safe and welcoming route to the water for users of all abilities.
"Working there to provide wheelchair access to one of the two lakes on site was an extremely rewarding experience for MMS Ltd."
Glynn Melhuish, Managing Director
Built to perform in harsh conditions
Working on or around water means designing for conditions that are constantly changing.
At Plas Y Brenin, the gangway is regularly exposed to fluctuating water levels, flooding, heavy rain, snow and UV exposure.
Selecting the right materials from the outset was essential.
GRP composite products were chosen because they won't corrode, rot or require the ongoing maintenance associated with traditional materials. Combined with their excellent slip resistance and structural performance, they provide a long-term solution that's well suited to the demands of the site.
A partnership built on quality
Choosing the right materials is just as important as getting the design right.
MMS has developed a close working relationship with Dura Composites, working together on projects where long-term durability, safety and low maintenance are essential.
For this installation, Dura's composite products provided several important benefits:
Excellent slip resistance in wet conditions
No risk of corrosion or rot
Long service life
Low maintenance requirements
Excellent performance in harsh outdoor environments
Lightweight yet structurally robust construction
Working closely with Dura's technical team also ensured the gangway was fully supported through the design process, helping deliver a solution that performs exactly as intended.
"Materials selection for the project was crucial to ensure long term durability, and our collaboration with Dura Composites was extremely positive. From working with their design team to receiving materials on site, every aspect of the process was well considered. We look forward to future projects together."
Glynn Melhuish, Managing Director
The Result
The completed gangway has helped make one of the UK's leading outdoor centres more accessible.
Wheelchair users can now reach the water more safely and comfortably, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy kayaking and other watersports.
At the same time, Plas Y Brenin has gained a durable, low maintenance solution that's designed to perform for many years despite the challenging environmental conditions.
The project demonstrates how thoughtful design, carefully selected materials and specialist marine expertise can come together to create infrastructure that makes a genuine difference.
Products Used
Dura d² Mini Mesh Grating
Dura Structural Profiles
Dura Safety Handrailing
Bespoke Stainless Steel Hinges
Trusted Materials. Trusted Partners.
MMS works closely with Dura Composites on selected projects where durability, safety and long-term performance are essential.
By combining Dura's proven composite products with MMS's specialist marine construction expertise, we're able to deliver solutions that stand up to demanding environments while requiring minimal ongoing maintenance. It's a partnership built on quality, practical engineering and a shared commitment to getting projects right.
Related Services
Floating Work & Access Platforms
Temporary and permanent floating access solutions for marine and inland water projects.
→ Explore Floating Work & Access Platforms
Specialist Access Solutions
Safe access for difficult to reach and environmentally sensitive locations.
→ Explore Specialist Access Solutions
Installation & Maintenance
Professional installation and ongoing support for marine infrastructure.
→ Explore Installation & Maintenance
Related Insight
Designing a Slipway for Your Waterfront Property
Many of the same principles that apply to commercial waterfront projects also apply to private access structures.
Read our guide to designing safe, durable waterfront infrastructure that's built to last.
Planning a similar project?
Whether you're improving accessibility, replacing ageing waterfront infrastructure or developing a new marine facility, we're happy to help.
We'll take the time to understand your site, discuss your objectives and recommend the most practical solution for your project.