Larger lifts, more seating areas mandatory for new buildings

Wheelchair- and elder-friendly features required under updated BCA regulations

- Isabelle Liew

More wheelchair- and elder-friendly features — such as ramps, larger lifts and more seating areas — must be provided in new buildings, under accessibility updates to the Building and Construction Authority's (BCA) regulations.

Lactation rooms at educational institutions will also be mandatory, BCA said on April 7 at the launch of its latest Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment.

The new regulations will take effect for building plans submitted from Nov 1. Existing buildings undertaking addition and alteration works will also be subject to the new regulations, which will not be applied retrospectively.

Under the updated code, all key building entrances linking to neighboring buildings, transport facilities, park connectors and covered walkways must be wheelchair-accessible. If shelters are to be provided, accessible routes must be given priority.

Ms Judy Wee, executive director of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore), who was part of the review committee for the code, said she has noticed several places where staircases were sheltered, but ramps were not.

"When there's a downpour, wheelchair users will get stuck. If the staircase is sheltered, the ramp should also be sheltered," said Ms Wee, who is a wheelchair user.