A Westminster Case Study: Modular Wheelchair Ramp Systems for a Paralympics Dinner

The chance to support the British Paralympic Associations need for step-free access at one of London’s most prestigious event venues doesn’t come along every day. The requested temporary ramp installation had to meet strict accessibility regulations, satisfy Westminster Council requirements, and look the part for a high-profile evening event — all within a six-hour window.

 

The Challenge: Steps, a Tight Deadline, and a Public Street

8 Northumberland Avenue is a restored Victorian landmark in the heart of Westminster, originally built in 1887 as the Hotel Victoria — a grand 500-room hotel, and the first building in the city to be fitted with electric lighting throughout.

The British Paralympic Association required two modular access ramps: one external, leading from the public street into the venue entrance, and one internal, providing access within the Old Billiard Room. Both needed to comply fully with accessibility regulations and blend seamlessly into the event’s overall aesthetic.

Guests were due to arrive at 6:00pm, and all works needed to be completed by 3:00pm to allow the venue team sufficient time for final preparations. Due to the venue’s location in a busy street of Westminster, we were not permitted to begin installation until 9:00am. That gave us a six-hour window from start to finish.

On top of that, the external ramp required Westminster Council approval to occupy the public street — a planning process we supported from start to finish.

 

The Build: Two Modular Access Ramps in Five Hours

External Ramp

The external ramp measured 11 metres in length and incorporated a turn to align with the venue entrance. It was constructed from Steeldeck modular platforms and built to a 1:12 gradient throughout, with landing platforms at intervals of no more than 5 metres.

To finish the ramp appropriately, we applied a hard fascia to the external edges, giving a clean, professional appearance to what would otherwise be an exposed structure. The fascia included a 150mm skirting detail at the base. All cladding was scribed and fitted on site by a specialist carpenter to ensure an accurate, precise finish.

Internal Ramp

The internal ramp measured 10 metres and ran in a straight configuration through the Old Billiard Room. Like the external ramp, it was built to a 1:12 gradient with compliant landing platforms.

Both ramps were finished with Pacific Blue carpet, supplied by MJ’s Event Services and carefully selected to match the carpet used throughout the venue. The result was a cohesive look that felt like part of the event design rather than a retrofit.

The full installation took five hours. De-rig the following day took three.

 

Why Modular Systems Work for Events Like This

Temporary ramp installation for events presents a different set of challenges to permanent accessibility works. The structure needs to be strong and fully compliant, but it also needs to go up quickly, come down cleanly, and look refined in the context of a formal event.

Modular wheelchair ramp systems are well suited to this because they can be configured to almost any layout — straight runs, turns, multiple gradients — using standardised components. Pre-fabricated infill sections can be made to order where the standard kit needs to meet a specific step height or ground condition.

For events at historic venues in particular, where permanent structural alterations aren’t an option, a well-designed modular access ramp offers a practical, compliant, and visually appealing solution.

 

 

The Result

Both ramps were in place and signed off well ahead of the 3:00pm deadline. Guests arrived at a venue that was fully accessible from street level, with access maintained throughout the building.

 

Planning an event that needs step-free access? Steeldeck provides modular wheelchair ramp systems and temporary ramp installation for events across the UK. Get in touch to discuss your project!