Westminster Abbey is both an active church of national significance and one of London’s leading visitor attractions. More than a million people visit each year. Currently, entry is through the North Door, which does not fully showcase the architectural grandeur of the Abbey. The Dean’s long-held aspiration has been to open the West Door to visitors, creating a more fitting and inspiring welcome.
Our Role
After winning a competitive tender, we were asked to assess the feasibility of this ambition. The remit grew to include a wide-ranging masterplan examining visitor experience, commercial opportunities and access. Our approach was pragmatic, proposing a phased plan that would minimise risk whilst safeguarding vital visitor income.
Outcomes
Planning permission was secured for a new visitor welcome building, one of the key solutions from our appraisal. Designed by Ptolemy Dean, it will provide modern ticketing and security facilities while releasing more than 10 per cent of internal floor space. Due for completion in 2026, the project is set to significantly improve arrival, restore the logic of the Abbey’s design and enhance the visitor journey.
