The new Box Office entrance The new Box Office

Up until September 2010, St. John's did not have access or facilities for disabled people and was not easily accessible to the elderly. The sole access to the church from the exterior was by 14 steps - too steep for ramps. Interior access was again by steps either to the restaurant or the hall. It was not only extremely desirable but vital that St. John's as one of the nation's most beautiful historic buildings and major concert venues could provide access and facilities for all to enjoy its architecture
and music.

The main elements of the scheme involved the installation of a lift to serve the ground, crypt (box office and restaurant) and concert levels. The box office and main entrance foyer relocated to the area near to the lift, providing a new and much more attractive and prominent shared point of entry for all. Adapted toilets were also provided in the crypt. The artists’ dressing rooms also relocated allowing more direct access to the stage. A platform lift will be installed in the near future allowing disabled performers to gain access to the stage level.

The completion of the project was the culmination of raising over
£1 million. Quite a feat for an organisation which receives no subsidy whatsoever and has raised the funds through its own efforts.

With access now raised to modern standards St. John’s intends to go from strength to strength - a second renaissance for an historical building which rose from the ashes of World War II bombing to become one of the most beautiful and acoustically excellent music venues in London.

St. John’s is extremely grateful to all the trusts, companies and individuals who have given so generously and made the project possible.

You can view our access guide here. For more information please email info@sjss.org.uk or call the Administration Department on 020 7222 2168, where someone will be happy to help.

Photo Credit: COG Design

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