The Old Palace, Canterbury Cathedral
A TEMPORARY WALKWAY TO SITE ALL ABILITIES
Heritage
Canterbury, Southeast
PROJECT BACKGROUND:
Canterbury Cathedral was host to Lambeth Conference, a new hospitality programme and retreat.
REQUIREMENT:
A temporary modular walkway was required to address the varying ground levels and provide a wheelchair-accessible path to the main marquee and the Old Palace.
Steps were also needed to accommodate able-bodied users, ensuring all visitors could navigate the area comfortably and safely.
DESIGN PHASE:
A site survey was urgently requested, and we were happy to accommodate it within our busy schedule.
Using advanced lidar technology, our surveyor created a detailed 3D model of the area, capturing all visible features, including buildings and terrain.
Our design team then overlaid a 3D CAD visual of the system onto the lidar model, designing around any obstacles.
The final drawings provided to the client offered a preview of how the solution would appear on-site before installation.
INSTALLATION:
The system was installed on a rental basis, with setup on Friday, 29th July, and a quick removal on Monday, 8th August.
The site featured various surfaces, including a stony path, a bark-covered area, and grass. The tarmac was slightly elevated and solid, while the bark and grass areas were softer. To ensure stability, concrete slabs were placed under each support foot.
The removal process at the end of the rental period was straightforward, and the system was repurposed in other hire projects, reducing its environmental impact.
This approach contrasts with single-use wood or concrete alternatives, which frequently end up in landfills after use.
SYSTEM FEATURES INCLUDED:
- Standard Handrail - Provides continuous support for users.
- Looped Trombone Ends - Prevent clothes from catching at the ends of the Rapid Ramp.
- Slip-resistant Mesh Platform - A multi-directional walkway with self-draining steel mesh and a galvanised finish.
- Standard Colour: Black - Handrails are powder-coated for a durable finish that surpasses conventional paint.
- Adjustable Telescopic Legs - Adaptable to various threshold heights.
- Standard Colour: Black - Powder-coated black finish for greater durability than traditional paint.
EXTRA FEATURES INCLUDED:
- Step Unit - Ideal for providing access for able-bodied users and can also function as a stand-alone unit independent of the Rapid Ramp System.
- Non-slip Yellow Stair Nosings - Enhances safety by making step edges and level changes more visible to those with impaired vision.
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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 wanted to thank all the team at Rapid Ramp for your help, assistance and professionalism in delivering and constructing the access ramps.
We could not be happier with the outcome of the receptions we held at The Old Palace and are very appreciative of all you have done to make them happen; you have been such a delight to deal with, especially in your thoroughness, attention to detail and product knowledge.
The ramps were a wonderful addition and made every reception a much easier and seamless event knowing that every guest had full and unfettered access to the main marquee, the Palace itself and its facilities, and we were much appreciated by many of the guests who had impaired mobility.
We are all looking forward to the next time we can entertain at The Old Palace again on this scale, and look forward to being in touch with you again then.
Hospitality Operations Manager, Lambeth Palace
Gallery
