Edes House

Edes House is a Grade I listed building in the heart of Chichester city centre. The building, completed in 1696, for John Edes has undergone several name changes over the years and was once thought to be originally designed by Sir Christopher Wren however this theory has been proved unlikely. The house was the location of West Sussex County Council offices from 1916 till 1936 before other uses by the council until 1989. After this date the building became a wedding and exhibition venue.

The building has recently undergone a major refurbishment and Access Lifts were asked to tender for the external platform lift works. This would include removal of the existing redundant platform lift and design, supply and install of a new external scissor lift. Access Lifts were successful through the tender process and worked with the client's lift consultant, LECS UK, to specify the new scissor lift.

The specification would be for a high quality scissor platform lift. Features of note include the 90º adjacent entry, bespoke upper landing gate with railing design, automatic openers at each level and powder-coated metalwork in Jet Black - RAL 9005 with brushed stainless steel accents. The lift needed to be of high quality and robust design due to the basement location of the lift as well as proximity to the sea. The lift construction is made out of hot-dipped galvanised steel with brushed stainless steel material found on the landing and platform operating panels.

The existing lift was removed and new lift installed within 4 days. The new lift was installed prior to the busy summer season for weddings at the venue.

81 Colmore Row – Hidden Platform Lifts

81 Colmore Row is located within Birmingham's business district. The building is a Grade II listed Victorian building which has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment. The building originally built as a Silversmith in 1871 boasts 6 renovated floors with floors 1 to 4 open as office spaces.

During the refurbishment works, Access Lifts worked with architectural practice, AHR, to design and specify 3x platform lifts on site. 2 of the lifts would be fitted externally at the front of the building whilst the third was an internal platform lift providing access to the 4th floor mezzanine. Design work started with AHR in 2021 through to award of the contract with main contractor Graham in 2022. The lifts were fitted on site in Spring 2023 prior to the opening of the building.

Each lift had a set of unique challenges to overcome. The main critical hurdle for the external lifts was for them to be sympathetic to the Grade II listed front facade of the building. In addition the newly developed upper landings had reduced space due to the building's boundary with the public pavement and had to match existing railings. The lifts also featured bespoke pit arrangements so that access could be maintained into the cellar spaces below.

The external hidden lifts feature on platform handrails with key switched control columns, 100mm retractable stainless steel shields and bespoke automatic upper landing gates. The above ground metalwork of the lift and gate are powder-coated in the site wide Interpon bronze colour to match the external railings, handrails, doors and window frames. The retractable shields beneath the platform prevent unauthorised access into the pit as well as reduce general wear and tear of being on a busy public pavement in a major city. Lifts also feature call + send remote controls for use by stand inside the building.

The internal platform lift provide access across the 4th floor and mezzanine. The lift features a custom small platform size due to the restricted size on site. It is powder-coated RAL 9005 - Jet Black to match accents on 4th floor.

Tower Bridge Court

TBC.London (Tower Bridge Court) is a refurbished office and commercial building located at the foot of the southern side of Tower Bridge. The iconic London landmark's famous blue steelwork joins the embankment right outside of the building. The redevelopment by Willmott Dixon has achieved an excellent BREEAM rating as well as an EPC A rating. The building has 10 floors offering retail and office space with entrances on Tower Bridge Road and Shad Thames.

Access Lifts worked with our trade partner, Gartec, to specify, design and supply an external hidden platform lift to the Tower Bridge Road entrance. The hidden lift provides access across 3 steps down from the roadside to the main entrance. The design of the lift took extensive coordination between multiple trades due to complex waterproofing and drainage close to the lift pit.

The lift is finished in matching granite to the surrounding external entrance. Due to the bespoke nature of the Italian granite being used, 70mm of finish and build up had to be accounted for in both platform thickness and overall capacity. The lift is then finished with a brushed stainless steel retractable shield to its perimeter. The lift is operated through remote controls kept at reception with a call location placed on the upper landing.

The lift was installed in early Spring 2025, in time for the opening of the Tower Bridge Road entrance.

External Platform Lifts at Ridley Hall, Cambridge

We were approached by Cocksedge Building Contractors who were carrying out the refurbishment works at Ridley Hall in Cambridge. The works included excavation and creation of a new library in a sub level as well as layout changes to access routes surrounding the external quadrangle. As part of the works, the project required two external platform lifts, one offering access to an existing part of the building then the other offering access into the newly excavated basement for access to the library. Ridley Hall is a theological college in the heart of Cambridge which trains men and women who intend on becoming ordained in the Church of England. Founded in 1881 the college teaches evangelical theology and offers training courses to those already ordained. Even though the college is not part of the University of Cambridge it shares close links with the university and offers some qualifications from the university.

The first lift provides step free access into part of the existing building. The lift has a 1100mm travel across the two floors and features automatic gates on both the platform and upper landing. The lift was finished in black in order to match the steel railings and building accents. The lift also features call and send wireless controls on both landings to make the lift quick and easy to use.

The second lift provides access to the newly excavated basement with an overall travel of nearly 3 metres. Like the first lift it features automatic gates on both the platform and upper landing. It also features wireless call and send buttons on each landing with all aspects of the lift powder coated in black to match the other steelwork around the college. At the request of the lift consultant we also installed a glass screen due to the tightness of the space to prevent accidental entry underneath the lift. Another request was a combined light and audible alarm to alert those moving around the location of the lift that the lift is descending. The colour of both lifts contrasts the orange brickwork and sandstone capping stones to produce an eye-catching finish.

To see projects similar to Ridley Hall, Cambridge click on the following links:

Inclined Platform Lift in Kingswear

We were approached by a private client who had recently moved into a house in Kingswear, Devon. The challenge was creating a suitable access route from the street level to the front door level. The pathway consisted of a steep set of over 80 steps with a number of changes in gradient as well as various curves. It came apparent pretty quickly that the only suitable option would be to have an inclined platform lift that would follow the existing pathway.

Using state of the art augmented reality plotting we are able to take incredibly accurate survey of the steps. This allows us to see every measurement of each individual step. We can even mark the surrounding walls of the pathway to make sure that the chosen platform size will be able to fit at every stage of the journey. This is so important when undertaking complex inclined platform lifts like this project to make sure that every subtle curve is taken amount of.

This platform stairlift included 7 changes of gradient as well as 4 curves across its 45 metre travel. The lift is fitted on its own stanchions so there is no need for a supporting wall. These stanchions were then fitted directly into the steps and pathway which means there was no builder's work. Both the lift and the stanchions are made out of stainless steel, realistically this is the only choice for any project by the sea. It also creates a smart finish which will remain the same overtime as well as increasing the longevity of the lift.

All of our inclined platform lifts have a rated load of 300kg so are perfect for moving heavy items. Many of our clients use them for deliveries of heavy items such as white goods whilst others use them to carry their suitcases down when going on holiday.

Purley – Outdoor Platform Lift

We were approached by a private client in Purley upon the recommendation from a couple from a previous project (South Croydon). The project was similar to the one in South Croydon as the client did not have an access route for a wheelchair or electric buggy from the pavement level to the front door level. The client decided that a lift would provide the most suitable access as a ramp would be too steep. We worked with a local builder to remove the existing hedge which lied between the driveway and existing path. This would create the space for the new lift without taking up drive way space.

The lift travels just over 1.5 metres and features a 1100mm x 1400mm platform. This platform size coupled with the lift's 400kg rated load means that it can convey even the heaviest of electric buggies as well as be used for moving heavy items such as appliances, suitcases and bins in and out of the property. The lift also features 900mm wide frameless glass gates on both the top landing and platform. We also included a handheld remote control for the client, this allows the client to be able to call the lift up or down before they have to go outside. The lift is made for external applications with all surfaces either in stainless steel or anodised aluminium. This means that the lift will not rust and will provide continued use over the years.

Lincoln Cathedral

We were approached by Simpson & Brown who were appointed principal designers for the refurbishment and construction of brand new facilities at Lincoln Cathedral. Lincoln Cathedral, consecrated in 1092, is located in the very heart of Lincoln and was once the tallest building in the world till its central spire collapsed in 1548. The Cathedral had recently won £16m in Heritage Lottery Fund to create the Lincoln Cathedral Connected project. This project would include a complete modernisation and refurbishment of parts of the cathedral with the introduction of a brand new education centre, café, shop and community spaces. Due to the nature of the building, level access was not possible across all of these additions therefore a variety of lifts were needed to make the site fully accessible. William Birch Construction were appointed Principal Contractor and we worked with them to deliver this lift package.

The first lift is a hidden traversing lift in the main reception area, the lift raises 350mm and traverses 480mm to meet the top step. This hidden lift features 100mm high roll off protection so that the user remains on the platform and finishes flush with the floor. It can be finished in any flooring up to a depth of 22mm which makes the platform run seamlessly into the rest of the floor. The lift is finished with remote controls so that a member of staff can raise the lift when a visitor needs to use it. The pit requirement for this lift is only 155mm.

The second lift is a cabin lift with fully automatic sliding doors, the same as a traditional passenger lift. The major difference between this lift and a passenger lift is that the pit and headroom requirement is considerably reduced. A passenger lift would require over a metre pit and 3400mm headroom whilst this lift requires only 130mm pit and 2150mm headroom. Due to the historic and archaeological nature of the site all 4 lift options were chosen with the shallowest pit depth possible. This lift provides access across two floors of the newly constructed education centre.

The third lift is an outdoor platform lift that allows access to the courtyard area with a travel of 700mm and is finished with the same wooden decking as the upper level and adjacent stairwell. The lift is made out of hot-dipped galvanised steel which is then powder-coated to provide a finish that will last over time. This means that the less maintenance costs are greatly reduced and the courtyard is accessible for longer.

The fourth lift provides access to the exhibition area of the centre and only needs a pit of 65mm. The lift has a modern look with reduced steel framework and large glass panels which match the contemporary aesthetic within the exhibition centre. We colour matched the adjacent stairwell so that the lift was finished in the same shade of black.

The Swan at Streatley

The Swan at Streatley is a 17th century hotel on the banks of the River Thames, around 11 miles from Reading. The Hotel recently underwent a £12 million refurbishment including a new restaurant, redesigned rooms and a Coppa Club. The Coppa Club is a take on a private members club with a 380 cover restaurant, a large bar, fireplaces, events rooms and a private dinning room overlooking the river. Other Coppa Clubs are situated on the Thames at Henley, Sonning, Maidenhead and the most well known on the north bank by Tower Bridge in London.

During the renovation we were asked by Quadrant Design, having worked with them on projects at Venture House in Reading and Wagamama Wigmore Street, to install two platform lifts. The first, outside of the restaurant, travels a total of 800mm linking the restaurant with the covered terrace on the banks fo the river. The second, outside of the riverside function room, also travels 800mm which allows guests to access the small island off of the main hotel's ground to enjoy all the river has to offer. The lifts were finished in the same dark grey colour as the windows and door frames. They feature non skid platforms so that even in the rain the lifts can be used quickly and safely. Both platforms measure 1100mm x 1400mm and have rated loads of 300kg so even the largest electric wheelchairs can be accommodated. Both lifts are designed to withstand even the harshest of conditions and as you can see in the photos they can easily cope with the British summer.

The lifts were installed in time for the hotels grand reopening in July 2019.

Chelsea Flower Show 2019

The Chelsea Flower Show is the key event in the horticultural calendar and one of, if not, the most famous flower and garden show in the world. It attracts over 150,000 visitors including members of the Royal Family as well as celebrities. This year the Duchess of Cambridge has designed a back-to-nature garden whilst the charity that the Duchess of Sussex supports, Camfed, won a gold medal. The Show takes places on the 11 acre land of the Chelsea Royal Hospital, on the Chelsea Embankment. In just 25 days the site transforms from lawn and gravel pathways to an amass of colour with gardens surrounding the main pavilion.

We were approached by representatives of the Greenfingers Charity and Kate Gould Gardens who were creating an accessible garden for the Chelsea Flower Show 2019. Greenfingers is a charity that creates outdoor spaces for a number of children hospices. Since their inception they've created 55 gardens across the country. Their gardens include space where children can play as well as sensory gardens where they can relax and have therapeutic rest. The Charity needed a garden that would be accessible and would include interactive features for children.

Kate was tasked with designing and bringing the concept to life. Kate is a Chelsea gold medal-winning garden designer, however this was her first show garden on the main avenue. The garden would feature an accessible ramp to the lower floor with interactive items throughout the lower level. From the original concept Kate wanted an upper level where visitors could find a new perspective on the garden therefore she needed a way of visitors reaching the upper deck. The original concept of the garden included a water lift. A water lift uses a pump to transfer water into two weights which would then cause the lift to ascend. The concept behind a water lift is incredible however it brings its own unique set of challenges. These are whether it can meet modern health and safety regulation and whether it will stand up to the constant use that the Show demands. After several consultations between Kate Gould Gardens, Access Lifts and independent lift consultants the result was that it would be too challenging to include the water lift design in the garden.

The Greenfingers Charity Garden would be the first garden in the Show's history to feature a lift. The lift is an open platform that travels 2.8 metres to the upper deck, enclosed by a fully glazed shaft. The lift didn't require a pit so there is a small ramp on the platform. At Kate's request the lift was sprayed Emerald Green (RAL 6001). When we first saw the lift after it had been sprayed we thought that it could be too much. However once installed the lift blended perfectly into the lush garden. The whole garden was completed within the 25 day limit. Once the Chelsea Flower Show 2019 officially opened, the garden (and lift) was in constant use. The Monday of the Show, reserved for the press and VIPs, saw many celebrities inspecting the garden and using the lift to get to the upper deck. Much of the BBC's coverage took place on the upper level of the garden due to its viewpoint over a large proportion of main avenue. On Tuesday Kate was awarded a silver-gilt medal for her effort. An incredible achievement for the first garden at RHS Chelsea with a lift.

external platform lift

Edes House

For more information about lifts like the one above call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us

81 Colmore Row – Hidden Platform Lifts

Tower Bridge Court

For more information about lifts like the one above call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us

External Platform Lifts at Ridley Hall, Cambridge

For more information about lifts like the one above call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us

Inclined Platform Lift in Kingswear

For more information about lifts like the one above call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us

Purley – Outdoor Platform Lift

For more information about lifts like the one above call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us

Lincoln Cathedral

For more information about lifts like the one above call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us

The Swan at Streatley

For more information about lifts like the one above call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us

Chelsea Flower Show 2019

For more information about lifts like the one above call us on 0800 65 252 65 or email us