Almondvale Shopping Centre is set to be the biggest complex in Scotland with the announcement in 2004 of a £90 million investment. Already, Almondvale is leading the way, ensuring they are at the forefront of providing customer/employee accessibility and safety.

One of their most recent initiatives, with the help of Deaf Alerter plc, was the introduction of a fire alarm warning and messaging system for Deaf and hard of hearing customers and members of staff. The installed radio-based Deaf Alerter system provides equal access to the fire alarm and other emergency warnings whilst shopping at the centre, a provision that not only aids the fulfillment of health and safety legislation requirements but also compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) which became mandatory on 1st October 2004, to ensure that employees or consumers are not unfairly discriminated against.

Jennifer Bruce, Marketing Manager for Almondvale commented: "We want to make sure our contemporary-styled, modern facilities are accessible by everyone. One in seven of the population is deaf or hard of hearing, many experience hearing loss at frequencies specifically used for fire alarm warnings. With a massive 250,000 customers on average visit us every week, the potential risk of not being able to inform shoppers or members of staff in an emergency situation - especially fire alarm warnings - had to be overcome and we have achieved this with Deaf Alerter's assistance. The centre accommodates over 120 units but Deaf Alerter has provided complete fire alarm coverage throughout the vast mall and our superb range of shops."

Deaf Alerter Managing Director, Steve Haseldine said: "As the market leader in the provision of fire safety for Deaf people we work on many large projects but working with Land Securities, owners of Almondvale Shopping Centre, exemplifies what level of consideration should be given to safety. They demonstrate the greatest possible commitment to customer well-being, including those with disabilities. We hope the introduction of Deaf Alerter will also encourage Deaf and hard of hearing people to use Almondvale's facilities as Deaf Alerter's benefits will enable people to shop with complete freedom and peace of mind, knowing their safety is paramount."

The Deaf Alerter logo, which is used nationally to inform people that a Deaf Alerter system has been installed for their protection, is now visible at the entrances to Almondvale. Shoppers can borrow an Alerter for their use whilst visiting the Almondvale Centre from Customer Services Officers on-site.

This addition to the centre further complements the extensive list of disabled facilities which are already featured, including; Shopmobility - free hire of wheelchairs, hearing loops, disabled parking spaces close to entrances, disabled toilets, colour-contrasted door handles in customer areas and tactile paving at the top of customer stairs.