C O N T E X T 1 7 3 : S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 39 DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION KATY-JAYNE LINTOTT with JOE PLAYER, LUCY WATSON and SARAH-JANE SORRELL Making Greyfriars accessible To achieve its aim of becoming a centre for connection, community and reflection, Greyfriars in Lincoln needs to become a model of accessibility and inclusivity. Hidden away between St Swithin’s Church and the Central Library in Lincoln is a beautiful and rare survival from a medieval friary complex. Greyfriars is a Grade I listed scheduled monument built in the 13th century by the Franciscan Order within the boundaries of the medieval city. Lincoln’s Franciscan Greyfriars lived among, served and supported some of the most marginalised members of Lincoln’s society. Later, the building became a free school, a Jersey spinning and knitting school, a house of correction, a mechanics institute and the county museum. Throughout its many repurposes, support, education and advancement of individuals and communities remained at the building’s core. The building has been vacant for several years now and is at risk, requiring immediate attention. Heritage Lincolnshire has joined in partnership with City of Lincoln Council to find a new use for the building with a comprehensive programme of conservation and refurbishment. Thanks to development funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Pilgrim Trust, a design team led by Player Roberts Bell Architects has been creating a multi-use venue that includes a cafe, a flexible event space and a heritage interpretation area. Not only will it save an important part of Lincolns’ rich heritage, but it should also contribute to the area’s economic health. Plans for the building draw inspiration from its heritage, once again becoming centre for connection, community and reflection, where individuals and groups can gather and connect over drinks and food, learn about the history of Greyfriars, advance and develop skills through engaging with workshops and activities, immerse themselves in performances, and even make life-long commitments through marriage. In order for the building to fully serve the community and visiting groups in this way, it needs to become a model of an accessible and inclusive heritage site. By removing physical barriers of access and providing lifts, accessible WCs and changing places facilities, the building will open up to a wider audience than ever before. Interpretation designed by Make Things Happen within the space will be provided through clear, engaging and accessible language and design. ‘Accessibility has been at the forefront of the design process right from the start,’ says Joe Player of Player Roberts Bell. Having an access consultant as part of the team has proved vital, The first floor of Greyfriars was used as a free school for 200 years. (Photo: Sian White)
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