St Mary Redcliffe Access Study - Part Two

enjamin + beauchamp architects 

BRISTOL 

St Mary Redcliffe 

Access Study 

Rev B 26June 2013

Page 19 

benjamin + beauchamp architects 

SECTION TWO 


the borough studios, the borough, wedmore, BS28 4EB 

T: 01934 713313 F 01934 713314 email studio@b2architects.com 

www.b2architects.com

Page 20 


SECTION TWO 

The church’s existing facilities are acknowledged to be 

significantly lacking and as a place of assembly where up to 

900 people gather the existing WC provision and other ancillary 

accommodation is inadequate. 

Access to the existing WCs is currently via the North Porch east 

door and then follows a disappointing route that includes two 

external staircases. For a wheelchair visitor to the building, one 

of the staircases can be avoided by exiting the church on the 

south side and travelling 200-metres around the building. 

However, access to the disabled WC still requires the descent 

of a flight of stairs which has no lift or chairlift provision. (Options 

to install an Undercroft chairlift as a short-term measure have in 

the recent past been explored and rejected by the Diocesan 

Advisory Committee). 

Section Two of this report considers what opportunities exist 

through alteration, adaption or intervention to improve access 

and connectivity to new or enhanced facilities on the north 

side of the church. 

One of the main purposes of this report is to understand what 

might be acceptable to the Diocesan Advisory Committee 

(DAC), English Heritage, the Church Buildings Council (CBC) 

and the Amenity Societies in advance of more detailed design 

work. 

The Appendix includes details of the basic technical aspects of 

the lifts and details of the chairs which are stored in the church 

and which would benefit from being stored elsewhere on the 

site. 

Example of a hydraulic lift at St Martin in the Fields providing 

disabled access to the Crypt level. 





Page 21 


SOUTHERN SIDE OF THE BUILDING 

The churchyard on the southern side of the building is relatively 

unaltered but in recent years improvements have been 

undertaken to the hard landscaping and level access is now 

provided into the church on this southern side. The various doors 

are considered as follows: 

The Lady Chapel door is narrow at 620mm and is 

inappropriately located at the furthest east end of the building. 

There is a step up of 820mm. The door is rarely ever opened. 

The Priest’s Door has a clear width of 700 mm and is kept 

unlocked when the building is open. Two steps totalling a 

height of 180mm limits disabled access but modification 

through raising ground levels would make the choir aisles more 

accessible. 

The South Porch remains one of the two primary points of 

everyday access into the church. Recent alterations to the 

paving inside the Porch and to the two south churchyard paths 

have greatly improved disabled access. However, the sloping 

nature of the site means that there is a travel distance of 

approaching 200 metres from the South Porch to the base of 

the North Porch steps. Furthermore, there is no weather 

protection and one of the main objectives is to find a shorter 

protected route to the ancillary accommodation on the north 

side of the church. 

The Lady Chapel Door 

The South Porch 

The Priest’s Door 

Plan showing the existing level access route from arrival at the 

North Porch to entry at the South Porch or vice versa. 





Page 22 


THE WEST DOOR 

The west door remains the primary ceremonial door and 

continues to be used for this purpose although the wicket door 

remains in more regular use. Three steps up to the door limits 

disabled access but an alternative level access option via 

South Porch is available close-by. 

The space outside the west door is under used which is primarily 

as a consequence of the remodelling of the processional steps 

and the loss of The Chapel of The Holy Spirit that once formally 

helped to define this space. 

Increased pedestrian movement and activity would enhance 

the vibrancy around the west end of the building and changes 

to the main flight of steps could also be considered. 

The West Door 

The stone balustrading that lines the raised level above 

Redcliffe Hill is separately listed but one option for consideration 

is the installation of an external vertical lift. Archaeology would 

be a major issue together with the impact on the setting of the 

church and the handling of relationship to the listed balustrade. 

A lift in this location might improve accessibility in the public 

realm but ultimately fails to address the change of level issues 

associated with the church itself and its ancillary 

accommodation. 

Above: Some sections of the processional stair remain but these 

steps are rarely used. Improvements to the access and the 

opening up of gates and the removal of railings could bring 

sections of the steps back into more regular use. 

. 

This option is not preferred. 

Example of an external lift in use in Trafalgar Square to 

overcome significant level change in public space 





Page 23 


THE NORTH PORCH 

The spatial sequence from street level up into and through the 

Outer and Inner North Porches into the church is all part of the 

important entry sequence into the church. Section One of this 

document demonstrated how the external approach to the 

North Porch has changed in the last three hundred years and 

the attached Drg No 0350.SK028 explores the challenges 

associated with level access within the Porch. 

to overcome this level difference. The option of a ramp is 

therefore ruled out. 

A fully concealed disabled platform lift could be considered 

although such a lift would require the removal and modification 

of the steps and the construction of a service area beneath the 

floor. The current stair width is 2700mm and any such 

intervention would require guarding around its sides and upper 

edge. Such a proposal would have a serious visual impact on 

the two porches and in particular the mouldings, and the 

human headed beasts that support the statue niche pedestals. 

Furthermore, the significant reduction in the available stair 

width would create a ‘pinch point’ and expose the vulnerable 

medieval carvings to accidental physical damage from visitors. 

Whilst technically possible, such an intervention would need to 

be considered in conjunction with the intervention required to 

overcome the steps into the north aisle and at least one further 

lift externally. The impact of a disabled access platform lift 

would be significant and such an intervention would be very 

unlikely to gain approval. 

North Porch - North Door 

On the south side of the Inner North Porch a change of level of 

300mm encompasses two steps and a pair of relatively narrow 

doors each with a leaf width of 650mm. A ramp could 

overcome such a change in level however its impact within the 

Inner Porch would be significant. Furthermore, any proposal 

must be viewed in conjunction with proposals to overcome the 

other more significant changes of level associated with the 

other steps in and around the North Porch. 

At the interface between the Inner and Outer North Porches a 

735mm change of level requires 5 steps. Section One of this 

document included two detailed drawings of the North Porch 

which showed a nineteenth century omission of one step. 

Evidence of change assists with the argument for further 

change however, the change in level is so significant that a 

ramp length of over 8metres (plus landings) would be required 

Externally, the main flight of steps up to the north door 

comprises 9 risers and change of level of 1350mm. Any 

significant change to the steps to facilitate disabled access 

would significantly affect both the presentation of the north 

elevation of the Porch and its unique door surround. However, 

the steps to the other two Outer North Porch doors have been 

much altered in recent years and here the opportunity for a 

discrete platform lift potentially exists. 


A disabled platform lift could be used to overcome a change in 

level between the Inner and Outer Porches but further 

intervention in the form of a ramp or a lift would be required to 

overcome the steps into the north aisle as well as a further lift to 

gain access into the Outer North Porch. The impact of a 

platform lift in such a location is very significant and has also 

negligible benefit in connecting the main body of the church 

with the Undercroft facilities. 





All dimensions to be checked on site by contractor and not scaled from this d 

This drawing combines Mackensie's 

detailled drawing of the North Porch from 

1812 with the 2012 topgraphical survey. 

benjamin + beauchamp architects ltd accept no liability for any expense, los 

damage of whatsoever nature and however arising; from any variation mad 

drawing; or in the execution of the work to which it relates, which has not bee 

referred to them and their approval obtained. 

13.43 

Terrace level: 

13.39 approx 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

13.37 

The stair width combined with the 

significance of the C14 carved detail limits 

the opportunity for platform lifts. 

OUTER PORCH 

Floor level: 

14.74 

The northwest door has always had an awkward 

relationship with the external landscaping and is 

rarely used. New steps have been installed. A 

platform lift in this location could be considered in 

combination with other lifts or ramps. 

25 

26 

27 

28 

29 

The existing southeast steps are the main 

route between the church and the ancillary 

accomodation in the Undercroft. These 

steps were significantly altered in the 

nineteenth century. 

The threshold between the Inner Porch and the 

North Aisle comprises two steps. 

3600 

INNER PORCH 

Floor level: 

15.48 

A platform lift in this location could be achieved but its 

impact on the porches would be significant. 

Floor levels to the Inner North Porch could not be 

raised without significantly affecting the 

presentation of the twelfth century Inner North 

Porch. 

30 

31 

+150 

+150 

650 650 

Floor level: 

15.78 NORTH AISLE 

Length of ramp (excl landings) required for a 300mm 

level change makes this an unworkable option. 

benjamin + beauchamp 

architecture design conservation 

the borough studios, the borough, 

wedmore, somerset BS28 4EB 

T 01934 713313 F 01934 713314 

Project 

BRISTOL - ST MARY REDCLIFFE 

0350. 

Title Drawn By 

Date 

Scale 

NORTH PORCH - ACCESS STUDY 

EG 

Stage 

09/04/13 

NTS 

Revision Date Initials Notes 

Drawing No. 

SK. 028 

P:\BRISTOL - ST MARY REDCLIFFE - 0350\Drawings, Photos & Graphics\B2 Drawings\Drawing board\Sketches\0350 North Porch Study\North Porch Access Audi 

-

Page 24 


THE CHOIR VESTRY 

The Choir Vestry is found under the North Transept and includes 

an external door as well as access to two internal stairs. The 

stairs connect to the north aisle and via the vestry into the 

chancel north aisle. 

The Choir Vestry door is effectively at street level on the north 

side of the church and at the threshold, there is a change of 

level of 460mm (3 steps). Ramps or the introduction of a new 

floor over the existing floor could be of minimal impact, 

reversible and provide level entry into this lower crypt level of 

the church. 

The narrow medieval stair built into the west wall provides a 

means of direct access to the north aisle. The stair is 900mm 

wide and the doors have a clear opening width of 570mm at 

the top and 680mm at the bottom, The stair remains a good 

‘back of house’ secondary stair but the door widths and the 

stair’s steepness makes it inappropriate for regular public use. 

Within the Choir Vestry there is the potential for a lift to be 

installed however, this lift would need to pass through the early 

fifteenth century stone vaulting of the Choir Vestry. Within the 

Choir Vestry, the southwest corner is the most appropriate 

location and a lift in this location could work well in terms of the 

movement of chairs and furniture but would be poorly placed 

to function as pedestrian lift providing access to 

accommodation anywhere other than the Choir Vestry. 


The Choir Vestry door 

The possible location for a lift rising up in the west aisle of the 

North Transept. 

North Aisle stair door down 

into the Choir Vestry 

A lift in the Choir Vestry would require breaking through the 

fifteenth century vaulting and would have no benefit in 

connecting with the Undercroft which is set approximately 

1.5metres lower. 





Page 25 


THE UNDERCROFT 

The Undercroft was completed in 1942 by George Oatley 

following a long design period when a number of different 

building and stair forms were explored. The Undercroft now 

includes a semi-commercial kitchen and Café as well as the 

church’s WCs. This includes a disabled WC however, there is no 

disabled access into the Undercroft and as such the church 

cannot claim to have a fully accessible WC. 

The Undercroft does not extend under either the church or the 

North Porch however, the southern wing of the Undercroft is 

aligned with one of the north aisle windows and this linear 

space, sandwiched between the North Porches and the North 

Transept, presents an opportunity for a direct link to the church 

itself. 

The level of this corridor is four steps above the main level in the 

Undercroft and any new change to this corridor would need to 

include a reduction in the floor level. 

The stairs down to the Undercroft. 





Page 26 


NORTH AISLE 

The north aisle presents two lift location opportunities. Ideally 

located immediately adjacent to the North Porch, Option 1 is 

for the installation of an external lift and Option 2 for a freestanding 

internal lift in the north aisle. Both lift options would 

exploit the bay rhythm of the north elevation and allow 

connectivity to the potential development to the north of the 

church. 

Both lift locations, subject to further investigation and 

archaeology, allow a single intervention to connect the floor 

level of the nave with the Undercroft level. 

In either location, any new lift would need to be subservient to 

the North Porch which should remain the primary point of entry 

into the building from the north side. 

Added benefits of the north aisle lift location is that it is well 

placed for the welcome and management of visitors. A 

relocated welcome desk adjacent to the North Porch doors 

could be considered as part of the works. 

One of the negatives of a lift in this location would be the loss of 

up to 50 chair spaces although chair loss would be significantly 

less if Option 1 was adopted. 

The North Aisle as existing with the pews at the west end 

already removed. 

Above: The two north aisle lift location options. 

Above: A lift in the vicinity of the north aisle allows access to the 

Undercroft level as well as potentially enhanced ancillary 

facilities to the north of the church. 





Page 27 


North Aisle – Option 1 

The provision of an external lift built forward of the north elevation of the 

north aisle has previously been put forward by Peter Floyd and represents 

an exciting opportunity to deal with the 5-metre change of level. 

The external visual impact on the church would be reduced because the 

impact is confined to this recessed area between the North Porch and the 

North Transept whilst the physical impact is confined to the formation of a 

doorway immediately beneath the north aisle central window. 

The internal cill height of the aisle window is 2.2metres and any such 

intervention into the fabric would need to be carefully detailed. Internally, 

the stone mullioned panel beneath the window and the stone bench 

would both require modification. Externally, the string courses appear to 

be of Clipsham stone and relate to a phase of nineteenth century 

restoration although the plain ashlarwork below appears to be of Dundry 

stone and is assumed to be medieval. 

Two historic precedents exist within the church for the formation of 

doorways in the aisle walls. (The examples are found at the east end of 

south choir aisle and at the west end of south aisle adjacent to the South 

Porch). Both doors have subsequently been removed and the stonework 

restored although the archaeological evidence remains. 

Any new external lift shaft could be either lightweight or of more solid 

construction and would need to be subject to design studies and would 

need to be of the highest standard and exceptionally well detailed – the 

lift must be conceived as a positive addition with the surrounding hard 

landscaping also part of the scheme. 

A further development of this approach could include the construction of 

a larger structure that includes both a lift shaft and a stair and which might 

also include a covered accessible link into the Choir Vestry. It the principle 

of the formation of a doorway in the north aisle is acceptable then further 

studies of the external lift options need to be developed. 

Above: Peter Floyd’s 2007 sketch proposals in plan and section for an external lift outside the north aisle. The lift shaft could 

be either transparent and lightweight or of more solid construction. 





Page 28 


Above: Example of an external glass lift at Norwich Castle built 

immediately in front of, but not connected to, the building. 

Sketch drawing showing the impact of a new doorway formed in 

the north wall of the north aisle. 

Sketch drawing showing an external lift aligned axially with the 

window. A further development of this approach could be a larger 

rotunda or service building that includes a public/private stair as 

well as a lift shaft. 





Page 29 


North Aisle – Option 2 

Option 2 is for a free standing lift that descends into the floor of 

the north aisle and then extends out northwards in a new passage 

below ground level. The design and detail of the lift would need 

to be very carefully handled with the above ground lift enclosure 

conceived as free-standing ‘jewel’ in the north aisle. 

The main physical impact on the fabric of a lift in the north aisle is 

below ground and here a massive amount excavation and 

disturbance would be required. The church is assumed to be built 

on bedrock but the depth at which this starts is unknown. Initial 

structural engineering advice suggests that excavating is 

achievable further research/investigation would be required if the 

principle of this position is agreed. 

This lift location would be well placed to be subservient to the 

North Porch which would remain the primary point of entry, but 

there is also the option of introducing a secondary stair to provide 

a direct link to the Undercroft and other facilities. Drg No 

035.SK035 shows two options. The first shows a circular lift shaft and 

the second shows an elliptical lift shaft with adjacent stair. Such a 

stair would be used primarily by staff but could also be publicly 

used in exceptional circumstances. Ideally all able visitors should 

continue to use the North Porch. 

An archaeological trial hole is likely to provide the greatest 

amount of certainty. 

Research with the lift manufacturers has confirmed that the height 

of the lift shaft can be minimised with the use of hydraulic lifts 

although a bore hole of approximately 2metres would need to be 

drilled in the floor of the base of the lift shaft to house the 

hydraulic gear. The lift doors could also be operated within the 

floor thereby reducing the height of the lift enclosure to around 

2.5 metres. 

The lift and lift shaft could both be of lightweight and 

predominantly glass construction, although again the detail 

would need to be subject to detailed design development and 

discussions with the lift manufacturers. 

The lift would need to be designed and detailed to be silent and 

doors and lobbies at lower levels would be needed for fire 

separation to provide good acoustic subdivision. 

In addition to the anticipated burials that are assumed to exist in 

the north aisle, some form of crypt or vaulting may support the 

floor. The archaeology of the early medieval church may also be 

revealed during any excavations although the arcade rhythm is 

assumed to closely follow the existing. Ground penetrating radar 

and core drills through the north elevation may be able to give 

some clues as to what might be found. 

Sketch showing a possible lift installed in the north aisle. 





Page 30 


CONCLUSION 

All of the various proposals presented within this report impact in 

some form on the fabric of the building but ultimately any 

significant improvements in the church’s ancillary 

accommodation requires a complete reworking of the access 

and connectivity to the Undercroft level on the north side of the 

church. 

Location wise, the two Options relating to the north aisle allow the 

level change to occur in one single intervention/operation and 

this has enormous benefits. None of the lift locations can be 

argued to be discrete and my recommendation would be that 

the lift has to be conceived as a positive intervention, well 

designed and executed to the highest standards possible. 

In conclusion, this study has been conducted to consider access 

before beginning a separate study of the new accommodation 

that the church needs and a more appropriate setting for St Mary 

Redcliffe Church. 

Advice should now be sought first from the DAC and then from 

English Heritage, The Church Buildings Council and The Amenity 

Societies so that progress can be made with the Brief for the new 

facilities to the north of the church with the knowledge that early 

consultation has taken place. 





Page 31 


APPENDIX 





Page 32 


APPENDIX 

LIFTS - Generally 

The legal requirement to make reasonable provision for disabled 

access and use of a building is set out in The Equality Act 2010 

and the Equality Act 2010 (Disability) Regulations 2010 and also 

where building work is concerned in Part’M’ of the Building 

Regulations. The Equality Act imposes a duty to make reasonable 

adjustments to a physical feature in order to comply with the 

requirements. 

The Building Regulations are clear of the need to conserve the 

special characteristics of historic buildings: The aim should be ‘to 

improve accessibility where and to the extent that it is practically 

possible, always provided that the work does not prejudice the 

character of the historic building, or increase the risk of long-term 

deterioration to the building fabric or fittings.’ (Part M, Clause 

0.18). 

The Building Regulations dictate that the minimum internal size for 

a lift is 1400mm wide x 1100mm deep although 2000mm wide x 

1400mm deep is preferable. Lifts can be categorised as either a 

‘Disabled Platform lift’ or a ‘Passenger Lift’. In addition, there is a 

further practical requirement to consider the chairs and their 

storage trolleys. 

LIFTS - Disabled Platform 

Disabled Platform lifts are slow moving lifts that operate at a 

speed of 0.15m/s and come under the Supply of Machinery 

(Safety) Regulations 1992. These lifts have continuous pressure 

controls and a minimal pit. They are not suitable for regular use or 

the movement of large numbers of people. 

LIFTS - Passenger 

Passenger lifts come under the Lift Regulations and require a pit 

1100mm deep and headroom of varying degrees above the lift. 

These lifts move considerably faster at 0.6m/s. Both types of lift 

require a 3-phase power supply. Door widths of at least 850mm 

are required but extra wide doors would be beneficial to avoid 

unnecessary damage when moving chairs. Passenger lifts are of 

two types: 

Hydraulic Lifts 

Hydraulic lifts require a single supporting wall and the machinery 

that operates the lift can be located remotely from the lift shaft. 

Door locations are flexible and entrance and exit can be through 

doors or set at 90degrees to one another. The lift shafts are clear 

of equipment and this type of lift is most appropriate for a glass lift 

enclosure where transparency is required. 

A typical 13-person hydraulic lift set within a 1700mm x 2500mm lift 

shaft would carry a load of 1000kg in a lift car 1100mm x 2100mm. 

By comparison an 8-person car would require a 1100mm 

x1430mm car house within a 1700mm x 1780mm lift shaft. 

Traction Lifts 

Traction lifts operate on a counter weight system and require 

approximately 3.5 from the floor level to the lifting beam above 

the shaft into which the majority of the machinery is installed. 

Other equipment is located in the shaft and generally this 

equipment is best concealed unless there is a specific desire to 

reveal the workings of the lift. Traction lifts can have ‘through’ 

doors but not doors set at right angles to one another. 

A typical 12-person traction lift set within a 1950mm x 1910mm lift 

shaft would carry a load of 900kg in a lift car 1500mm x 1400mm. 

CHAIRS 

The church has acknowledged storage problems and any 

opportunity to move chairs into more appropriate storage needs 

to be considered at the same time. Ideally the chairs and their 

trolley should be stored out of sight. 

Each Howe40/4 chair weights 6.3kg and these are stacked on 

purpose made trolleys with up to 40 chairs in a stack. The size of a 

triple trolley is large but the weight at 790kg is significant and has 

a bearing on the lift type that might be most appropriate. The 

Howe 40/4 chair trolleys when fully loaded have the following 

approximate size and weight: 

Single trolley 40 chairs 695mm x 550mm 270kg 

Double trolley 80 chairs 695mm x 1010mm 530kg 

Triple trolley 120 chairs 695mm x 1510 mm 790kg 

Given the weight and difficulty in moving the triple trolleys 

weighing over 750kg a recommendation would be to use only 

double and single trolleys. 

Above: Stacked chairs on trolleys in the North Transept

St Mary Redcliffe Access Study - Part Two

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