Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE) has helped improve accessibility at Bletchley Park, a vibrant heritage attraction and museum, open daily to visitors. It was the home of British World War Two codebreaking; a place where technological innovation and human endeavour came together to make ground-breaking achievements that have helped shape the world we live in today.
In 2019, CAE was commissioned by Bletchley Park Trust to provide access consultancy for its largest refurbishment to date, which encompassed three projects – the transformation of Block A, the Teleprinter Annexe and Block E into exhibition galleries, a Collection Centre, a new Learning Centre, and the 250-seater Fellowship Auditorium (pictured above).
One of Block E Learning Centre’s eight classrooms.
The refurbishment
CAE closely worked with Bletchley Park and its architects throughout the three refurbishment projects. Each one was set within a Grade II listed World War II building and offered significant challenges to creating an inclusive and accessible environment.
Our role helped ensure that accessibility considerations were integrated into the design and construction processes, while respecting Bletchley Park’s original character.
An interior of Block E Learning Centre.
The challenges
Bletchley Park’s wartime build, narrow corridors, and sloped terrain required innovative solutions to meet modern accessibility standards. Additionally, its historical significance required careful preservation of heritage elements, alongside accessibility enhancements.
Accessibility success
Bletchley Park Trust was committed to inclusivity and had a willingness to challenge conventional design norms. This meant that, despite the challenges, CAE and Bletchley Park were able to create effective practical design solutions.
For instance, the new Learning Centre, in Block E, required a balance between historical preservation and creating a contemporary learning environment. The solutions included:
- an adjustable lectern and creating visual contrast throughout to enhance accessibility.
- the installation of acoustic solutions within the Learning Centre’s classrooms, ensuring optimal learning environments for all.
The outside of the Fellowship Auditorium.
Other thoughtful design decisions include the layout of the Fellowship Auditorium and shallow slopes throughout, which improved access without compromising historical integrity.
The outside of Block E Learning Centre.
Thoughtful collaboration
Head of Site Works at Bletchley Park Trust, Phil Atkins, said: “CAE’s work with the design team has been invaluable to both Bletchley Park Trust and our visitors. This included a training session with Bletchley’s current architect and internal team on inclusive design.
“Through an informative and educational relationship, the design of each refurbishment was shaped to make each building accessible and inclusive while retaining their original character,” Phil said.
The future
The success of the accessibility initiatives at Bletchley Park lays the foundation for future projects. As Bletchley Park evolves and expand its visitor experience, ongoing collaboration with accessibility experts like CAE will ensure it remains accessible to all, for generations to come.
An accessible lift to the first floor of Block E Learning Centre.
Find out more about our access audits and the consultancy services we offer.
For more details on Bletchley Park, visit its website.