At 7 Bedford Row, inclusivity is built into every detail. Set within a Grade II listed building, 7BR Chambers wanted to improve accessibility without compromising its beautiful period architecture. That’s where Sesame Access came in.
We designed and installed a bespoke Sesame Lift at the front entrance. This hydraulically powered, invisible platform lift allows step-free access from the street into the reception area. When not in use, the lift disappears into the original stone staircase, preserving the building’s historic appearance while ensuring full access for everyone.
7 Bedford Row went further than just improving its entrance. It carried out a full accessibility upgrade throughout the building, including:
Internal platform and stair lifts
Two internal passenger lifts with audible floor announcements and mirrors
Lowered reception desk heights for easier use by wheelchair users
Two accessible toilets and one accessible shower
Hearing loop installed in the seminar suite
Light switches and alarm systems positioned at accessible heights
These improvements make the space easy to navigate, safe, and welcoming for disabled visitors, staff, and clients.
Clients with additional needs, whether they require tech support, mobility assistance, or sensory accommodations, are supported respectfully and thoughtfully at 7BR. The Chambers’ commitment to accessibility goes beyond compliance. It’s a people-first approach that genuinely improves the experience for everyone.
This is especially important in the legal sector, where many chambers are housed in older buildings with challenging access. 7 Bedford Row proves that you don’t have to choose between heritage and inclusivity; you can actually have both.
Accessibility is a moral decision, but also a smart business decision. In the UK, disabled people have a combined net disposable income of over £250 billion per year. This is known as the Purple Pound, and businesses that invest in inclusive design are better positioned to serve this valuable and growing market.
What makes 7 Bedford Row stand out
1. It prioritises the Purple Pound
7 Bedford Row recognises that disabled clients, visitors, and professionals are not a niche audience; they represent a powerful economic force. The Purple Pound, which refers to the £250 billion in annual disposable income held by disabled people in the UK, highlights just how vital accessibility is from a business perspective. By investing in inclusive design, 7BR is not only doing the right thing socially, it's also strengthening its commercial position and building long-term loyalty with a wider audience.
2. It stands out from neighbouring chambers
Many buildings in central London, particularly in the legal sector, remain difficult to access for disabled individuals. By comparison, 7 Bedford Row is setting a new standard. Step-free access at the main entrance, accessible internal facilities, and thoughtful design throughout make it easier and more welcoming for everyone to visit. This level of accessibility means clients and visitors are more likely to return, recommend the space, and choose 7BR over other chambers that haven’t made the same investment.
3. It creates real, lasting change
The Sesame Lift is fully integrated into the front steps, allowing for dignified, independent access without changing the appearance of the entrance. Accessible toilets, lowered reception desks, and a hearing loop in the seminar suite ensure that every part of the visitor journey is inclusive. It’s not about ticking boxes; it’s about making the building genuinely work for everyone who walks through the door.
Our collaboration with 7 Bedford Row shows how accessible design can be both elegant and effective. It’s a perfect example of how to harmonise architectural heritage with modern access.
If you'd like to see the full list of accessibility features, you can view 7 Bedford Row’s Access Guide on their website or via AccessAble.
The Purple Pound is real. When you invest in inclusive design, everyone wins: your building, your clients, and your community.