What are Historic & Protected Buildings?
Historic buildings are structures of architectural, cultural, or historical significance that require careful preservation. These may include castles, stately homes, churches, old public buildings, and industrial heritage sites.
Protected buildings, also known as listed buildings, are legally designated as having special architectural or historical importance. Strict regulations control any modifications to ensure that their unique characteristics are preserved.
Protected sites include archaeological sites, historic landscapes, monuments, and culturally significant outdoor spaces. These areas require sensitive accessibility solutions that respect their natural and historical value while improving public access.
At OHAC, we specialise in ensuring accessibility improvements are carefully balanced with conservation priorities, allowing all visitors to experience and engage with these important places.
Service Details
Ensuring accessibility in historic and protected buildings requires achieving a careful balance between conservation, sustainability and accessibility. OHAC provides expert consultancy to help property owners, site managers, and public and private authorities enhance accessibility while maintaining the character and integrity of historic structures or site.
We provide tailored accessibility consultancy to ensure that historic and protected buildings meet modern accessibility standards while maintaining their historic integrity. We offer access audits, compliance assessments, awareness-raising training, site assessments and practical recommendations to improve accessibility for visitors, staff, and stakeholders.
Core Areas of Focus
Historic Building Access Audits
We conduct detailed accessibility audits to identify barriers and provide solutions that align with conservation standards. Our audits will guide you on how to achieve compliance with Section 28 of the Disability Act and the Code of Practice on Historic Buildings & Sites.
Stakeholder & Community Engagement
We engage with conservation specialists, disability groups and individuals with disabilities, and local communities to develop practical, inclusive solutions that work for all users.
Reasonable Accommodations for Staff & Visitors
We provide recommendations on workplace accessibility, visitor experience, and adjustments to make historic sites more inclusive. Where physical modifications are limited, we offer alternative ways to improve access.
Training
We offer custom training for staff, tour guides, and management teams to enhance their understanding of accessibility in heritage settings.
Key Benefits
Preservation & Accessibility
We advise on how historic buildings can maintain their integrity while becoming more accessible to all.
Compliance & Risk Reduction
Meet statutory obligations without compromising conservation principles.
Improved Visitor Experience
We advise on how all visitors could engage with your site’s history, culture, and storytelling.
Inclusive Workplaces & Tourism
Make your historic site welcoming for staff, visitors, and international tourists and showcase your commitment to inclusion and accessibility, attracting a wider audience.
Why Choose OHAC?
Our team of access consultants has extensive experience conducting accessibility audits across a diverse range of built and outdoor environments. We apply the latest Universal Design principles and best practices to ensure your building, town, village, or public space is not only compliant but also functional and welcoming for all users, including those with diverse sensory and cognitive needs.