12 Accessible Heritage Buildings

Reviewed by

Heritage Fit for the Future

Le Lay Architects believe in making heritage fit for the future. Our focus is on improved sustainability, accessibility, and resilience of our shared built heritage. Heritage buildings should be accessible to everyone, and we see inclusive design as an opportunity for innovation, and a driver of social change.

In this report we have brought together some of the most notable examples of improved access to heritage buildings by other architects and designers.

Adaptation of our built heritage can sometimes seem too hard with no practical way to remove barriers. By recognising achievements elsewhere, we hope to inspire managers of other heritage buildings to make the changes needed.

Jonathan Goode RIBA AABC Director, Le Lay Architects

Le Lay Architects

Grade II* Listed Building

The World Museum, Liverpool

The National Museums are comprised of seven museums located around the centre of Liverpool. One of these, is the grade II* listed World Museum.

Accessibility characteristics

• Entrance accessible via ramp.

• Two lifts on each floor with one accending from level three to five.

• Accessible toilets on every floor.

• Available wheelchairs to borrow.

• BSL and subtitles on some videos and interactives.

• Autism friendly sessions.

• Visual guides and photos provides on the website.

• Accessible inlcusion days.

• A number of blue badge parking spaces on William Brown Street, outside the museum.

For more information please visit the museum website: https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ world-museum/access-and-facilities

Completion

1860 | Extended 1896 - 1901

Architect

Thomas Allom, John Weightman extened by Edward William Mountford

Key Considerations

• Step - free access

• Autism

• Hearing Impairement

Location

William Brown St, Liverpool

Funding

NWDA, ERDF, HLF, DCMS + Others

Entry Cost

Free, donations welcome

Opening Times

Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 4pm

Le Lay Architects 3

Step free access at main entrance Exterior view of The World Museum

Kew Palace, London

Kew Palace was renovated in 2007 by Purcell, where the preferred lift location evolved throught preliminary consultation with English Heritage.

Accessibility characteristics

• Assisted wheelchair acess into the building.

• Exterior lift.

• Audio descriptive tours and a BSL interpreter is available (must be booked 14 days in advance)

For more information please visit the museum website: https://www.hrp.org.uk/kew-palace/ visit/accessibility/#gs.m95fol

Grade I Listed Building

Location

Royal Botani Gardens, Kew

Funding

Historic Royal Palaces

Entry Cost

Adult tickets start at £11

Opening Times

Daily 11am - 4pm

Completion 1631, Renovations: 2007

Architect James Wyatt, Renovations: Purcell

Key Considerations

• Step - Free Access

• Visual Impairement

• Hearing Impairement

Le Lay Architects 4

Exterior view of the Palace

Grade I Listed Building

Royal Museum, Greenwich

The Royal Museums comprise of The Queens House, The Cutty Sark, The Royal Observatory and the National Maritime Museum all of which are grade I listed buildings.

Accessibility characteristics

• Step free access.

• Accessible toilets.

• Quiet areas for visitor with sensory disabilities.

• Visual guides.

• Audio - described tours.

• Visitor assistants are trained to the BSL level 1 standard.

• Hearing loops are fitted at all site information desks.

• Tactile exhibits at cutty sark with braille and embossed labels.

For more information please visit the museum website: https://www.hrp.org.uk/kew-palace/ visit/accessibility/#gs.m95fol

Completion

1636, Maritime Renovations: 2012

Architect

Inigo Jones, Maritime Renovations: Purcell

Key Considerations

• Step - free access

• Autism

• Hearing Impairement

• Visual Impairement

• Sensory Processing Disorders

Location

Romney RD, London

Funding

Original funding via Grant-in-Aid

Entry Cost

Queens House: Free, others vary in price

Opening Times

Daily 10am - 5pm

Queen’s House accesible entrance

Le Lay Architects 5

Maritime Museum Entrance

Grade I Listed Building

National Gallery, Edinburgh

The National Galleries comprise of the Scottish National Gallery, Modern One, Modern Two and the Portrait Gallery. This page predominantly focuses on the Scottish National Gallery.

Accessibilty characteristics

• Step free access available.

• Accessible toilets.

• Lift access to all galleries.

• Audio descriptive tours available on Smartify.

• Portable hearing loops available for public talks and lectures.

• BSL and subtitles videos are available.

• Sensory maps available to aid visitors identify areas with changes in light, smells and noise.

• The gallery o ers a range of regularly scheduled events for visitors with specific access needs.

• Sta trained in dementia awareness, relaxed gallery social every month for individuals a ected by dementia.

For more information please visit the museum website: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/ visit/accessibility

Location

The Mound, Edinburgh

Funding

The National Gallery Foundation

Entry Cost

Free, tickets to be booked in advance

Opening Times

Daily 10am - 5pm

Areas with low light

1859, Renovations: 2014 - 2023

Completion Architect William Henry Playfair, Renovations: Hoskins Architects

Key Considerations

• Step - Free Access

• Autism

• Hearing Impairement

• Dementia

• Visual Impairement

• Sensory Processing Disorders

Le Lay Architects 6

Ramp access at the entrance Exterior view of the Gallery

Grade I Listed Building

The Winchester Cathedral, Winchester

There are still areas of the grade I listed cathedral which are not accessible to individuals with disabilities due to the structure of the building. There are a variety of measures however, to make it as accessible as possible.

Accessibility characteristics

• Entrance accessible via two ramps one outside the main entrance of the cathedral and another the south facing door.

• A stair lift within the north transept.

• Accessible toilets.

• Maps and information leaflets for visitors with hearing di culties.

• A braille guide and guided tours.

• A 3D display of the cathedral accessible for those with visual di culties.

• The entrance desk can make visitors aware of events which a ect disabilities such as sensory processing disorder.

For more information please visit the museum website: https://www.winchester-cathedral. org.uk/welcome/accessibility/

Location

9 The Close, Winchester

Funding

All Churches Trust, HLF, WCC + Others

Entry Cost

Adults: £9.95, Concession: £8.00

Opening Times

Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 12 - 3pm

Lift to the north transept

Le Lay Architects 7 Completion Architect Key Considerations

Step - Free Access • Autism • Hearing Impairement • Visual Impairement • Sensory Processing Disorders 1079 - 1532, Renovation: 2012 - 2019

Renovation: Nick Cox Architects

•

William Wynford

Exterior view of the Cathedral

Grade I Listed Building

Ashmolean Museum, Oxford

The grade I listed Ashmolean Museum is the home to a collection of art and archaelogy in Oxford.

Accessibility characteristics

• Step free and lift access to all areas of the museum.

• Four wheelchair accessible toilets.

• Free touch and descriptive tours for blind and partially sighted visitors.

• Regularly scheduled events for blind and partially sighted and hearing impaired visitors.

• Visitors website goes into extensive photographic detail of the spaces, making it possible for visitors with sensory di culties to prepare ahead.

For more information please visit the museum website: https://www.hrp.org.uk/kew-palace/ visit/accessibility/#gs.m95fol

Beumont St, Oxford

Completion

Architect

Key Considerations

1841 - 1845, Renovations: 2009 HEFCE, ACE

• Step - free access

• Autism

• Hearing Impairement

• Visual Impairement

Location Funding Entry Cost Opening Times Free, donations welcome Le Lay Architects 8

Step - free access

Automated and magnetic doors Exterior view of the museum

Charles Robert Cockerell, Renovation: Rick Mather Daily 10am - 5pm

St Paul’s Cathedral, London

St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the must-see churches in London.

Accessibility characteristics

• Northern access containes modified step free access with a ramp warping around the existing staircase. Crypt and Quire accessible o the main floor.

• Some areas are step access due to the structure of the building and its listed status. As a result, free tickets are o ered to all disabled visitors.

For more information please visit the museum website: https://www.stpauls.co.uk/accessibility-cathedral

Grade I Listed Building

Location

St Paul’s Churchyard, London

Funding

AllChurches Trust, DCMS + Others

Entry Cost

Varies depending on the admission

Opening Times

Thurs. - Sat. 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Wed. 10 am - 4:30 pm Sunday 8 am - 6 pm

Le Lay Architects

Completion Key Considerations

1711, Restorations: 2020

Architect

Christopher Wren, Caroe Architecture

• Step - Free Access

9

Exterior view of the cathedral

Charteris Centre, Edinburgh

The recently renovaed Greyfrairs Charteris Centre aims to connect communities whilst providing a base for social enterprises. The restoration aimed to create a flexible workspace.

Accessibility characteristics

• A redesign of the main entrance provides a visible and accesible access point.

• Lift access to all levels.

• Open plan layout allowing easy access to di erent areas of the building.

For more information please visit the museum website: https://www.charteriscentre.com/

A Building of Importance

Location

William Brown St, Liverpool

Funding

NWDA, ERDF, HLF, DCMS + Others

Entry Cost

Free, donations welcome

Opening Times

Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 4pm

Le Lay Architects

Completion 2017

Architect Restorations: Konishi Ga ney

Key Considerations

• Step - Free Access

10

Exterior view of the centre

Tate Britain, London

Completion

Restorations: 2013

Architect

Restorations: Caruso St John

Tate Britain, formerly known as th National Gallery of British Art is part of a larger network of tate galleries in England.

Accessibility characteristics

• The “Mantion” entrance contains wide steps and ramps allowing visitors to enter through the lower floor.

• Lifts located on every floor.

• Visual stories available online.

• Programmes for deal and siabled people with various access requirements.

• Audio description recordings.

• Coloured overlays and magnifiers are available as well as large print captions for visitors with dyslexia.

For more information please visit the museum website: https://www.tate.org.uk/

Key Considerations

• Step - Free Access

• Autism

• Hearing Impairement

• Visual Impairement

• Dyslexia

Grade II* Listed Building

Location

Millbank, London

Funding

DCMS + fundraising activties

Entry Cost

Free, donations welcome

Opening Times

Daily 10am - 6pm

Le Lay Architects 11

Exterior view of the gallery Step - free access at entrance

Grade II Listed Building

Almeida Theatre, London

The Almeida theatre originated as a literary society, the theare reopened after two years of refurbishments

Accessibility characteristics

• Foyer rebuit with a ramp running along the staircase.

• Audio described performances throughout the year.

• Captioned performances for visitors with hearing impairement.

• Relaxed environment performances.

For more information please visit the museum website: https://almeida.co.uk/

Location

Almeida St., London

Funding

DCMS, Arts Council England

Entry Cost

Subject to the performance

Opening Times

Times vary every day

Completion

Renovations: 2003

Architect

Architects Burrell Foley Fischer

Key Considerations

• Step - Free Access

• Autism

• Hearing Impairement

• Visual Impairement

Le Lay Architects 12

Exterior view of the theatre Step - free access in the foyer

V&A Museum, Kensington South

The grade I listed Victoria and Albert museum is the largest museum of applied arts and design in the world.

Accessibility characteristics

• Exhibition road entrace is step - free and wheelchair accessible.

• Interactive maps available online.

• A series of online trails online.

• Lifts operating throughout the building.

• The museum is able to provide wheelchairs and chairs throughout the exhibitions.

For more information please visit the museum website: https://www.vam.ac.uk/

Grade I Listed Building

Location

Cromwell RD, London

Funding

ACE, National Lottery, V&A Fund

Entry Cost

Free, donations welcome

Opening Times

Saturday - Thursday 10 am - 5:45 pm Friday 10am - 10 pm

Completion

Renovatrions: 2017

Architect

Amanda Levete Architects

Key Considerations

• Step - Free Access

• Autism

• Hearing Impairement

• Sensory Processing Disorders

Le Lay Architects 13

Exterior view of the museum

One Great George Street, London

The historic building is the home to the Institution of Civil Engineers and a corporate conference and events venue.

Accessibility characteristics

• The building incorporates a platform lift with the integrated steps allowing access via the main entrance.

• Accessible toilets located on di erent floors, permanent induction hearing loops in the main theatres and portable loops for use anywhere in the building.

• Wide internal corridors allow access throughout the building.

• Uncarpeted floors for ease of maneuverability.

For more information please visit the museum website: https://www.vam.ac.uk/

Completion

1913, Renovations: 1987 - 1991

Architect

James Miller, Renovations:

Grade II Listed Building

Key Considerations

• Step - free access

• Autism

• Hearing Impairement

Location

1 Great George St., London

Funding

Institution of Civil Engineers

Entry Cost

Subject to event booking

Opening Times

Monday - Friday 8am - 5:30pm

Le Lay Architects 14

Platform lift with integrated steps Exterior view of OGGS

Hampton Court, London

Hampton Court has been a chosen place of residence for many Kings and Queens.

Accessibility characteristics:

• Step - free access and lift acess to all floors.

• Audio tours for blind or partially sighted visitors.

• Braille guidebooks are available.

• Artefacts in the tudor kitchens my be handled.

• BSL digital visitors guide.

• An accessibility guide is available online with photographs allowing for visitors to prepare ahead.

For more information please visit the museum website: https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/#gs.mvj8la

Grade I Listed Building

Location

Hampton Court, Greater London

Funding

Historic Royal Palaces

Entry Cost

Adult: £26.10

Opening Times

Openning times and hours vary

Completion since 1515, Renovations: Since 1996

Architect Thomas Wolsey, Renovations: Purcell

Key Considerations

• Step - Free Access

• Autism

• Hearing Impairement

• Visual Impairement

Le Lay Architects 15

Exterior view of Hampton Court

References

Image Reference

• (no date) Accessibility. Available at: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/visit/accessibility (Accessed: January 18, 2023).

• (no date) Adventuresofalondonkiwi. London. Available at: https://adventuresofalondonkiwi.com/2022/04/free-things-to-do-inlondon-the-tate-britain-a-walk-through-art-history/.

• (no date) City Walks . London . Available at: https://www.city-walks.info/London-en/Victoria-and-Albert-Museum.html.

• (no date) Conisbee. London . Available at: https://www.conisbee.co.uk/project/almeida-theatre/.

• (no date) GreatWestWay. Surrey. Available at: https://www.greatwestway.co.uk/see-and-do/hampton-court-palace-p1921021.

• (no date) Royal Museums Greenwich. Greenwich. Available at: https://www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum

• (no date) Liverpool Museums . Available at: https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/world-museum.

• (no date) Mus3ums.com. Edinburgh Available at: https://mus3ums.com/en/united-kingdom/edinburgh-scotland/scottish-national-gallery-edinburgh-scotlandunited-kingdom/.

• (no date) National Churches trust. Winchester . Available at: https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/winchester-cathedral-winchester.

• (no date) New Civil Engineer London . Available at: https://www.newcivilengineer.com/ice/new-definition-for-civil-engineering-31-10-2007/.

• (no date) One Great George Street . London . Available at: https://www.onegreatgeorgestreet.com/about-us/accessibility.

• (no date) St Paul’s Cathedral . London . Available at: https://caroe.com/project/st-pauls-cathedral-phase-1-of-the-equal-access-project/.

• (no date) University of Oxford . Oxford Available at: https://www.accessguide.ox.ac.uk/ashmolean-museum#collapse1340196.

• (no date) VisitScotland. Edinburgh . Available at: https://www.accessibilityguides.org/content/scottish-national-portrait-gallery-0.

• (no date) Winchestertoday . Winchester . Available at: https://www.winchestertoday.co.uk/2019/05/stunning-new-cathedral-exhibitions/winchester-cathedral-exhibition-3/.

• Kew Palace, Historic Royal Palaces (no date) Kew.org. Richmond . Available at: https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-in-thegardens/kew-palace-and-queen-charlottes-cottage.

• “main entrance to the museum” (no date) https://images.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/2022-03/NML%20-%20Visual%20Stories%20-%20World%20Museum%20-%20January%202022%20-%20Final%20draft.pdf. Liverpool.