Creating accessible heritage buildings

Wheelchair Stair Climbers Improve Access For The National Trust

As The Stair Climbing Company Embarks on Access for Everyone with The National Trust Chris Persey, our Operations Director, gives advice on how to make historic buildings accessible. 

Heritage buildings and the accessibility balancing act

When we think about heritage buildings, we picture their grand architecture, historical significance, and cultural value. However, these architectural showpieces were not designed with accessibility in mind. The challenge of preserving these heritage sites while ensuring they are accessible to everyone is a balancing act between maintaining historical integrity and embracing modern needs.

In this blog, we explore the importance of wheelchair-accessible heritage buildings and how we can make these spaces inclusive for all visitors without compromising on their historical integrity. 

Why Wheelchair Accessibility in Heritage Buildings Matters

Heritage buildings are often rich with history, culture, and architectural significance, attracting visitors from all walks of life. However, many of these buildings, especially older ones, were built at a time when accessibility for people with disabilities was not a primary consideration. This creates a significant barrier for wheelchair users who wish to experience and appreciate these historical gems.

By making heritage buildings wheelchair accessible, we not only ensure equal access for all people, but we ensure the visitor customer journey is completely inclusive. Everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy the cultural and educational experiences these buildings offer.

Challenges in Making Heritage Buildings Accessible

Making wheelchair-accessible modifications to a heritage building is a complex, bureaucratic process due to the following challenges:

1. Structural Limitations: Many heritage buildings feature narrow doorways, steep staircases, and uneven floors. These design elements may make it difficult to install ramps, elevators, or other modern accessibility features without altering the building’s original structure. The Roman Baths, world heritage site transformed the walkways with a suspended walkway from the roof of the building to preserve the historic features.
2. Regulatory Restrictions: Preservation laws and regulations often limit the degree to which changes can be made to heritage properties. There are strict guidelines that require renovations to maintain the building’s original appearance and involve numerous authorities further complicating efforts to add accessibility features.  However, a good health and safety team will always look for ways to improve access and evacuation as a priority for visitors
3. Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: Integrating modern accessibility features, such as ramps or lifts, while preserving the building’s architectural charm can be a delicate balance. How can we introduce functional elements without disrupting the aesthetic value of the space. Development in technology allows us to provide materials that can be used to protect the fabric of the building without causing damage.

Strategies for Creating Wheelchair Accessible Heritage Buildings

Despite these challenges, there are a variety of approaches that architects, designers, access consultants and heritage professionals can take to ensure that accessibility is prioritised while maintaining the integrity of the building. Here are some strategies to consider:

Consulting Experts and Stakeholders: The first step in any accessibility project should be to engage with accessibility consultants, architects with expertise in heritage preservation, and representatives from the disability community. Their input can help identify the most appropriate and effective solutions.  The Stair Climbing Company can give a free site assessment to advise on a venue’s access and evacuation needs.   

Minimising Alterations: Whenever possible, making minimal but impactful changes is key. For example, instead of installing a lift that might interfere with a building’s historical appearance, a carefully positioned one could be hidden within a nearby structure or discreetly placed in a less visible area. Similarly, ramps can be designed with materials and finishes that blend into the existing surroundings.

Ramp and Lift Design: When ramps are necessary, they should be designed with gentle slopes and non-slip surfaces to ensure safety and ease of use. Lifts or elevators should be small but functional, maintaining the overall aesthetic of the building while providing a means of access to multiple floors.

Stair Climbers: In some heritage buildings where ramps and lifts are not an option due to space constraints or preservation concerns, Wheelchair stair climbers are a viable alternative for improving accessibility. Stair Climbers allow wheelchair users to travel up and down stairs with ease. They’re easy to operate, require no permanent fixtures and are a cost-effective access and evacuation solution for heritage buildings.  A Stair Climber can transform a place with limited or no access to become fully accessible immediately, providing an inclusive customer journey.  They can be used on winding stairs, tight turns, steps indoors and outdoors with no fixture required.  They can be used only when necessary and neatly put away, preserving the building’s historic appearance. Find out more about how a Stair Climber can help your historic venue here.

Adaptive Features: In some cases, adaptive reuse can offer creative solutions to accessibility issues. For example, if a building has multiple floors but lacks an elevator, a designated area on the ground floor could offer exhibition space, reducing the need to access upper levels. This approach preserves the building’s historical features while making it more inclusive.

Technology: In some cases, technology can enhance accessibility without impacting the structure of the building. For example, virtual tours or audio guides can be offered for visitors who may not be able to physically navigate the building but still wish to experience the history and exhibits.

Interim measures: Given that applying for building modifications can be a lengthy, complex process a Stair Climber can be a good interim solution.  With no permanent fixture required it can transform a place with limited or no access to become fully accessible immediately. 

Stair Climber Solution

The Stair Climbing Company has been collaborating with the National Trust to ensure a number of their historic buildings are accessible, including Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire. Iain Stewart, Senior Collections & House Manager at Wimpole Estate, contacted the Stair Climbing Company to find a solution for making the house accessible without compromising its aesthetics or damaging the historic stone steps.

Many National Trust properties are protected by regulations, making it difficult and time-consuming to get approval for modern accessibility features like ramps or lifts, especially on a limited budget.

After researching online, Iain found the Stair Climbing Company, which offered a compact solution for people with mobility challenges. The company assessed Wimpole Estate, tested their Skyline Stair Climber on the grand exterior steps, and provided the perfect solution—easy to use, cost-effective, and without permanent fixtures.

The Stair Climbing Company also trained staff and volunteers, offering a “train the trainer” program for ongoing support and flexibility at Wimpole Estate. 

Wimpole has seen a surge in visitor numbers since making the Hall accessible with the Stair Climber. 

Conclusion: A Path Toward Inclusive Heritage

Creating wheelchair-accessible heritage buildings is not an impossible task, but it requires thoughtful planning, creative design, perseverance with the authorities and a commitment to inclusivity. By carefully balancing the need for modern accessibility with the desire to preserve historical integrity, we can ensure that heritage buildings remain vibrant and welcoming spaces for generations to come.

In the end, accessibility isn’t just about adding physical ramps or lifts—it’s about removing barriers to history, culture, and education for everyone. It’s about creating accessible heritage for visitors to enjoy.