Background
In March 2020, the Building Control Act was amended to require owners of existing non-barrier-free buildings with public access to provide at least basic accessibility features for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), if addition and alteration (A&A) works requiring plan approval are carried out in any part of the building.
The basic accessibility features include:
(i) a wheelchair accessible entrance;
(ii) a wheelchair accessible route at the entrance level; and
(iii) a wheelchair accessible toilet.
Requirement
This requirement applies to existing non barrier-free buildings:
(i) Except those which are used solely for residential purposes or as factories;
(ii) With gross floor area (GFA) of more than 500m
2; and
(iii) Accessible by the public
The guidance booklet below seeks to assist architects, designers and building owners in understanding the process, key considerations and solutions to comply with the basic accessibility requirements, with explanatory notes and illustrations.