Stannah resurrects a 1930s passenger lift in YMCA’s The Bristol Wing

Regeneration Thu, Aug 23, 2018 9:51 AM

Stannah injected present-day performance into an historic passenger lift whilst conserving its yesteryear veneer.

The project proved a tour de force that helped update access in the transformation of the Grade II-listed Bristol Police HQ into the YMCA’s The Bristol Wing.

The South West England and South Wales branch of Stannah Lifts Services worked in conjunction with main contractor, John Perkins Construction, and Ferguson Mann Architects, to bring the project to a successful conclusion, on time and budget.

The site dates back to the 13th century and boasts a colourful history that includes being home to a prison, the Chief Constable, the Invisible Circus theatre troupe, a group of artists, crown courts and a fire station.

The current building was constructed in the 1930s and was Bristol Police HQ for over 160 years. Following their relocation, the building was snapped up by the YMCA and transformed into The Bristol Wing, a quirky, 90-bed boutique hostel, with prices starting from £18 a night. This social enterprise offers affordable accommodation for budget-conscious visitors and emergency lodging for young homeless people.

The renovation fuses period charm with today’s essentials, such as private and ensuite rooms, dormitories for backpackers, WiFi, and, of course, the all-important Stannah passenger lift refurbishment.

The original New York-style passenger lift was around 80 years old and operated within a traditional cage structure rising through the central stairwell of the building to serve five floors.

Always the building’s showpiece, the lift was in dire need of a major cosmetic, mechanical and electrical upgrade to match today’s demands in style, comfort, performance and safety. Yet it had to retain its historic aesthetic – a brief that proved a big ask when put out to tender, but one that was eventually secured by Stannah and their ability to flex their expertise to accommodate the unique challenges of this project.

To achieve star lift status Stannah drew upon its 150-year pedigree in meeting the challenges and changes of an ever-developing lift industry.

The passenger lift underwent an exhaustive overhaul, from motor room, shaft and pit through to car doors and interior, together with all associated mechanics – to emerge transformed yet still its recognisable, characterful former self.

Stannah undertook the responsibility for lowering the lift car and counterweight into the pit for safety.

Stannah removed and replaced the original workings with a high-tech system designed to deliver fast, efficient, dependable service that protects lift users and Stannah lift maintenance engineers:

  • Machine, raft and diverter: with load, speed and drive characteristics to match the new control system.
  • Core drilled slab: to allow for the overspeed governor.
  • Floors and walls: cleaned and sealed to prevent dust contamination and to optimise reliability of the new lifting equipment.
  • Main isolator with locking-off facility: for safety.
  • Machinery guarding: to maximise the safety of authorised persons working in the machine room.
  • Mechanics control station fitted to the lift roof: for safe access and full control of lift movement during maintenance, inspection or insurance activities. Installed with all necessary switches and wiring and fully compatible with the existing control system.
  • Lift controller: housed in a sheet-steel cabinet.
  • PVC insulated trunking and cabling: improves performance reliability and safety.

The passenger lift now carries up to five people (400kg) between five floors at a smooth, safe, speed of 1.0 m/s – a must if the YMCA is to meet the Access for All requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

This sensitive approach supports the sympathetic metamorphosis of this classic building into an upmarket YMCA, with all works completed within Historic England guidelines.

As with all Stannah lift products, the refurbished passenger lift meets all required legislation in design, manufacture and performance. For full information on Acts, Regulations, Directives, Codes of Practice and Standards.

All Stannah lift products are designed and manufactured to be energy efficient and cost-effective to run. In this case, the traction-drive passenger lift combines yesteryear looks with today’s energy efficient guidelines – in keeping with The Bristol Wing’s ethos of sustainable construction that includes, but is not limited to, solar panels, high levels of insulation and double-glazed windows.

As with all Stannah installations and refurbishments, The Bristol Wing passenger lift is covered by a by a 1-year, full maintenance package as part of the contract.

In association with Stannah Group


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Anton Mill
Anton Mill Lane
Andover
Hampshire
SP10 2NX
United Kingdom
T: 01264 343777
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