St Mary’s is an independent school in Gerrard’s Cross, empowering girls to carve their own unique path. The school has a rich curriculum which enables students to try expressive arts, but their drama studio was no longer fit for purpose and they had no designated dance space.

While our sister company, The New Garden Room Company, took care of designing and building the studio itself, we were tasked with installing the surrounding paving and wheelchair access ramp.

Because the space was in a prominent position at the front of the school, it had to look aesthetically pleasing and meet strict planning regulations. We knew cost was a big factor, and the school’s Bursar, Michael, was keen to keep costs down. We also knew that the planning process might throw up some challenges, but the need for accessibility helped towards satisfying the planners.

The dance studio had to be accessible for students, staff, and visitors of all abilities, so we installed a wheelchair access ramp and a continuous handrail to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Wraparound paving provided a cohesive flow around the building and more importantly, a durable and non-slip surface for safety during classes and future events.

St Mary’s School were so happy with our work, they are already in talks with us about another project at the school. The project has served as a potential blueprint for other schools looking to expand their facilities with accessible features and to promote the arts.