New Armouries, Tower Of London
REQUIREMENT:
Historic Royal Palaces approached us with a clear and time-sensitive requirement of a temporary ramp solution to enable safe wheelchair access to the café via an alternative entrance. This was required while works were carried out at the main access point.
The solution was on hire for 10 weeks, ensuring that all visitors, including those with mobility needs, could continue to access facilities such as the accessible toilets without interruption.
We were selected for our ability to deliver a fully non-invasive solution—one that required no fixings, no alterations to the building fabric, and no damage to the historic stone paving. This was a crucial consideration in such a sensitive and heritage-rich environment.
The project was delivered at the New Armouries within the Tower of London. Once used to store weapons and military equipment, the building now forms an important part of the visitor experience, housing the café and exhibition spaces within the wider Tower complex.
DESIGN PHASE:
A site assessment was carried out by our in-house surveyor to check all measurements and review the location. They looked at key factors such as entrance height, ground conditions, available space, and any potential obstacles, while also making sure the historic stone surface and surrounding building would not be affected.
From this, we created detailed 2D drawings and 3D visualisations to show how the ramp would look in place, set against a virtual model of the New Armouries.
The ramp was designed in a U-shape to make the best use of the available space, providing a practical and accessible route with smooth transitions and safe gradients.
Rubber matting was also added beneath each ramp foot to help protect the underlying surface.
The 2D plan, 3D visual, and quotation were then submitted to the project team for approval before installation.
INSTALLATION:
The ramp system was installed quickly with minimal disruption, taking just two days to complete.
Once in place, it provided safe and easy access for visitors throughout the 10-week hire period.
At the end of the project, it was dismantled in a single day without damaging the existing surfaces or structure, preserving the historic setting.
This project demonstrates the benefits of a modular access system for temporary works, offering fast installation, easy adjustment to suit the site, and simple removal at the end of the hire period—making it a practical, cost-effective solution that minimises disruption and environmental impact.
FEATURES INCLUDED:
- Slip-resistant Mesh Platform - A multi-directional walkway with self-draining steel mesh and a galvanised finish.
- Looped Trombone Ends - Prevents clothes from snagging at the ends.
- Standard Colour: Black - Powder-coated black finish for greater durability than traditional paint.
- Adjustable Telescopic Legs - Adaptable to various threshold heights.
- Standard Handrail - This handrail system ensures that users always have a support to hold onto.
- Yellow Tread – A high-visibility safety feature that helps clearly identify the ramp nose and any changes in level, improving safety for those with impaired vision.
- Rubber Pads Under Ramp Feet – Protect the underlying ground surface and help prevent damage during installation and use.
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Estimates can be returned within 24hrs if there is clear information given, including project address, drawings, photos and contact details.
I’d like to thank your team for a very swift and smooth install. The ramp looks very smart and is functioning really well.
Project Manager, Surveyor of the Fabric & Projects Department, Tower of London




