BUILD FOCUS:

It is safe to say that historical buildings were not designed with access in mind. So, when the Equality Act came into force in 2010, which required all buildings to offer disabled access, a massive undertaking began. These access requirements are broad, meaning heritage sites must consider visitors and workers and ensure equal access for every user to all parts of the building.

Challenging layouts, strict planning controls and building-specific intricacies combine to make it a huge task to alter or modify historical sites to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. Furthermore, any alterations to improve access must be safe, especially in the event of a fire, where a suitable fire escape and safe route out must be considered.

Historic England recommends early consultation with building control, planning departments and, in some cases, the fire brigade to help ensure that the correct processes are followed and that the design is both sympathetic, compliant and safe for the users/occupants.

Balancing responsibility for the sympathetic preservation of these heritage buildings with adaptations to enable equal and safe access to all requires thoughtful and effective design that considers both the existing structure and the one it needs to become.

I f alterations to the structure of a heritage site are being considered, then an access strategy that outlines what you intend to do and why is needed. This should include why you’ve chosen certain solutions and the overall vision for the finished works.

1 . What needs to be improved – is it the building itself, the way it’s managed or a combination of the two?

2 What would be a reasonable adjustment?

3 . What are the statutory obligations that must be met?

4 . Which are the conservation considerations that must be considered?

5 . Who is responsible for balancing these?

6 . How much will it cost, and how long is it going to take?

N arrow points of entry or steep steps without handrails are mainstays of many heritage buildings and can be addressed under the Equality Act 2010. There are several solutions that each provide a different way to deal with access to ensure those in wheelchairs or with limited mobility can gain safe entry to our historic buildings.

While each solution should be assessed individually for its suitability for a specific building, the following options have all been successfully implemented at heritage sites in the UK:

Provide flat and level access. This will require significant works to be done to the structure of the building to change the existing access point.

Provide temporary ramps that can be removed at a later point. These are not an ideal solution but can provide a short-term measure to enable access.

Provide semi-permanent ramps. This is particularly useful if a longer-term solution is being sought, but the site is holding an event that is likely to increase visitor numbers significantly. Temporary ramps need not necessarily look temporary but are often built from materials such as wood, which can be sensitively removed.

Provide a permanent ramp. This will either be shallow or steeper in its gradient, which will be determined by the building itself and its proximity to other structures.

Install a platform lift. Lifts can either have a rise of less than or greater than 1m. Platform lifts are a good way to provide access, but there can be challenges around the volume of users and speed. Some users can also feel slightly ill at ease in a platform lift.

Install a retracting stair lift. The design of stair lifts has improved significantly and can now be designed to be completely sympathetic to the surrounding, often almost completely camouflaged. Horizontally-retracting stair lifts can be installed either with a lift below 1000mm rise or above a 1000mm rise. Verticallyretracting stair lifts are also available where space is at a premium.

In 2020, Oculus Building Control, part of Assent, was appointed to work on St Paul’s Cathedral Equal Access project alongside Caroe Architecture. The task was to install a permanent accessible ramp at the historical landmark, followed by a second phase, which saw the installation of a memorial within the inner portico of the building. This was the most significant change to the building’s exterior in 300 years.

Given the nature of historic and listed buildings, phase one of the project required a new approach to make sure the ramp was compliant as well as aligning with the wider building from an architectural and aesthetic point of view. The use of traditional materials and a design that had to meet modern Building Regulations and needs, such as drainage systems, meant plans had to be carefully curated. Assent worked very closely with the architects and designers to navigate these challenges. The proposed installation had to consider pre-existing steps that the new project would cover and a portico to work around.

Following the successful completion of the access ramp, phase two of the project – the Remember Me Memorial inner portico – began. A memorial for those who lost their lives due to COVID-19, this part of the project required rigorous research and assessment, which resulted in a contemporary design whilst remaining true to the cathedral’s Baroque architecture and heritage materials.

Historical buildings are often situated amongst vast gardens, and whilst alterations to them may seem straightforward, planning permission may be required and, as such, professional guidance on appropriate alterations should be sought.

Replacing existing gravel surfaces with self-binding gravel to provide a firmer surface

Incorporating a level route within an area that has an uneven surface

Providing alternative routes and adding appropriate signage

Using interpretation or multimedia devices to provide alternative access to areas that remain physically inaccessible

Using trained staff and guided tours as an alternative to making physical changes.

G iven the importance of accessibility to gardens and surrounding areas, Historic England has produced a guidance document – Easy Access to Historic www.assentbc.co.uk

Buildings – which outlines more options for alterations in order to provide the greatest level of access.

W hile adhering to the Equality Act 2010 is critical, Part M of the Building Regulations does highlight a major caveat – that this only applies where it is practically possible, and provided the work does not prejudice the character of the building or increase the risk of longterm deterioration to the building fabric or fittings.

T here is no easy or straightforward answer to facilitating access to heritage sites. By their very nature, they are complex and difficult areas to tackle. Our advice is to engage both planning and building control as early in the process as possible and speak to people who have experience in successfully delivering these types of projects. Ultimately, this is all about balance – being sympathetic to the needs of those with limited mobility with the need to maintain the structural integrity of our heritage sites.

Bringing together the sector’s most influential innovators who are driving change in the construction industry, OFFSITE EXPO provides fast and efficient access to a wealth of knowledge and offsite innovation. By attending this highly-focused event, construction professionals can gain a broad spectrum of offsite industry intelligence and practical insight – all under one roof.

Ta king place at the Coventry Building Society Arena on 19 and 20th September, OFFSITE EXPO is the focal point of innovative building and digital construction technologies. Presenting a compelling proposition, OFFSITE EXPO will feature a combination of advanced manufacturing approaches and smart digital construction technologies. With innovative displays, live demonstrations and pioneering speakers, the event will play host to leading experts, offsite manufacturers and component suppliers showcasing a broad spectrum of panelised, volumetric modular systems, pod and prefabricated MEP solutions.

T he case is unequivocal – offsite technology challenges outmoded construction practices and is a progressive and productive step that is set to revolutionise the way buildings are designed and assembled. Every major review of the construction industry has in some way recommended a move towards advanced factory-based construction methods.

T his specialist offsite technology event is destined to become Europe’s largest dedicated event, providing direct access to explore this innovative and fast-moving sector. Get to grips with the latest offsite methods and smart digital technology; OFFSITE EXPO showcases the widest and most comprehensive display within the built environment.

P resenting the optimum personal development opportunity, rapid and efficient access to the latest information is crucial to success. Advanced offsite approaches and innovative technologies are changing the face of construction. The Explore Offsite Masterclass Theatre and Spotlight on Offsite Panel Discussions, in partnership with Offsite Alliance, provide over 40 hours of CPD-accredited presentations in a dynamic and interactive format for those looking to learn directly from eminent offsite industry experts.

T he Offsite Connect Forum is the most dynamic ‘meet the buyer’ business development opportunity of the year. OFFSITE EXPO exhibitors can gain access to key industry professionals with a buying or specifying remit. This forum offers a structured, highly-effective way for new and existing offsite industry suppliers to connect with potential customers easily and cost effectively in highlyfocused meetings.

It is not only the exhibition that has exciting development plans, returning for 2023; OFFSITE EXPO will host the dynamic and innovative Offsite Construction Awards. Taking centre stage, the Offsite Construction Awards will take place at OFFSITE EXPO on 19th September. Since inception eight years ago, the awards have been on an upward trajectory presenting professionals operating in the sector with outstanding opportunities to showcase excellence and network with those who are gaining industry recognition.

S howcasing the greatest display of offsite building and digital construction technologies under one roof, OFFSITE EXPO aims to attract circa 4000 delegates and is geared towards creating the ultimate visitor experience. OFFSITE EXPO is the place for people to engage with key industry contacts, acquire new knowledge and network in vibrant surroundings.

To join the offsite conversation, become a member of the Explore Offsite LinkedIn group: https://www. linkedin.com/groups/7456674. Or, to stay up to date with the latest announcements, follow #OffsiteExpo on Twitter at @ExploreOffsite. To register your FOC place at Offsite Expo 2023, visit the below website.

www.offsite-expo.co.uk