An historic civil service building in Whitehall has received an award for its accessibility and inclusivity.
Government hub 22-26 Whitehall, which is the headquarters for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, has received 'Inclusive Environments Recognition' from the Construction Industry Council.
This is the first time a Government Property Agency-run listed building has received this accolade.
DSIT set up its HQ at 22-26 Whitehall following the closure of 1 Victoria Street. Comprising the Grade I listed Ripley Building and the modern Kirkland Building, the hub underwent a major refurbishment which was completed last year and introduced power-assisted doors and step free-access throughout the office space, accessible showers and changing rooms, universal single-sex toilets, and height-adjustable desks.
Other new features include ‘do not disturb’ areas with dedicated furniture settings and dimmable lighting to support neurodivergent users and those requiring focused, private working environments, and a refreshment hub on each floor with sensor-operated taps, improving usability for people with mobility impairments.
Redevelopment works
Inside the Ripley Building
Flexible workspace
Common space with presentation screen
As part of the redevelopment, the main circulation routes were redesigned to be “generous and unobstructive, ensuring staff with mobility issues can move easily between different areas of the building”.
The wayfinding strategy was developed with direct input from the Royal National Institute of Blind People, and incorporates braille, tactile letterings, high-contrast colour schemes, clear sans-serif fonts, and universal symbols. Biophilic design – which mimics natural environments – is also embedded throughout the space, aimed at improving air quality, reducing stress and boosting creativity.
CIC inclusive environments review group member Eoin Burns said: “Inclusivity was clearly embedded at the heart of the relocation process. The approach taken by the Government Property Agency placed staff engagement at the centre of decision-making, ensuring that inclusive design was not an afterthought but a guiding principle throughout.
“What is especially noteworthy is how inclusive design was successfully prioritised within the constraints of a Grade I listed building. Refurbishment projects of this nature are inherently complex, and embedding inclusive design principles adds an additional layer of challenge. However, in this case, those challenges have been met with a thoughtful and well-executed response, resulting in a building that is both sensitive to its heritage and highly functional for all users.”
The Ripley Building is considered one of the first purpose-built office buildings in the UK, with its construction completed in 1726. It is historically associated with the country’s naval service, having been originally created as offices and apartments for the Lords of the Admiralty.
Sam Carey-Smith, head of workplace design at the GPA, said: “This is an unprecedented achievement for the GPA, as we have secured this accolade for a listed building for the very first time. The accreditation from the CIC not only underlines our mission to create great places to work for civil servants but also our commitment to a high-quality and accessible design in our buildings.
"Inclusive offices remove barriers that may prevent individuals with physical, cognitive and sensory needs from fully participating in the workplace, so it is paramount that we continue to build on this recognition and create a level playing field throughout the government office estate.”