Stannah powers access in London Bridge Station rebuild

Stannah Major Projects has installed 11 lifts as part of the Access for All requirement in the rebuild of London Bridge Station.

Built in 1836 and located on the South Bank of the Thames, London Bridge Station is the oldest station in central London and the fourth busiest in the UK.

The rebuild is part of the Government-sponsored Thameslink Programme, a £7b, 10-year partnership between the Department for Transport, Network Rail, Govia, Thameslink Railway, Southeastern Railway and Siemens.

Work included extensive infrastructure enhancements such as the removal of the old brick arches, a major track upgrade, a new rail underpass on the approach to the station and platform widenings and extensions. This facilitated the delivery of 115 new trains that will bring faster, more frequent, more reliable, better-connected journeys—transforming north-south travel through London… 30% more trains can use the station than before.

As part of this, Stannah was specified to install a total of 11 lifts.

Phase I—two goods lifts

Installed back of house, these hydraulic lifts are responsible for processing all goods throughout the station from their arrival via St Thomas Street. Functioning independently, they share a common motor room and can shift big loads of up to 5000kg per lift. Loading and weight testing were also managed by Stannah.

Phase 2—five passenger lifts

Four public passenger lifts and one staff lift support access in key station areas, including the main concourse. Unique in design, the lifts feature bespoke doors and semi-glazed lift cars to complement the feature freestanding glass shafts.

The lifts are hydraulically driven using accumulator technology, a type of energy storage device which enables the system to cope with extremes of demand using a less powerful pump, to respond more quickly to a temporary demand, and to smooth out pulsations.

The distance from the machine room to the shafts was a challenge as all services had to be routed under the station concourse, which was achieved via a network of established tunnels.

Phase 3—three passenger lifts and a Lowriser platform passenger lift

Fitted under the newly updated lift directive EN81-20, these lifts feature bang up-to-date Ethos TWO lift control panels with large, full-colour touch-screens that deliver simple, intuitive diagnostics, commissioning and configuration for fast, easy control.

“The architraves and overall finish of the lifts on the main concourse are of very high quality to complement the high profile site. This was a challenge as many of the structural elements that are normally hidden had to be made aesthetically pleasing,” comments Craig Hazelden, Stannah Major Projects, Project Manager.

Installation and commissioning was achieved within challenging constraints such as the vast volume of people using the station which was fully operational for the project duration, and the site nearing completion.

Also known as a step lift, the Lowriser platform passenger lift is back of house and provides movement for people with impaired mobility over a small difference in floor levels of up to two metres.

Ken Price, Stannah Major Projects Department Manager comments: “This project to date has been extremely demanding. The station has been operational so many unsociable hours of working in difficult conditions have got us to this significant point. We are very pleased with the result so far and grateful to our client for the recognition received. The new part of this unique station is very impressive and will certainly make a huge difference to travellers through this constantly busy hub. After a celebration of our progress to date, the team are ready for the challenge of the next phase.”

Visit Supplier's page