Stannah resurrects 1930s lift at Bristol YMCA hostel

When a Bristol-based YMCA hostel recently required an update on its current passenger lift to modernise the building and provide better accessibility – this is where Stannah came in.

Constructed in the 1930s, The Bristol Wing is now a 90-bed hostel owned by the YMCA, offering affordable accommodation and emergency lodging for young homeless people. The previous lift was a New York style passenger lift that had served the building well for the last 80 years, but a more modern and reliable lift was required. 

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.

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 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.

The regenerated lift features a new machine, raft and diverter with load, speed and drive characteristics to match the new control system. The core drilled slab was replaced to allow for the over speed governer, as well as the main isolator and machinary guarding to improve the safety of the lift.

Stannah also fitted a new mechanics control station to the lift roof for safe access full control of lift movement during maintenance, inspection or insurance activities.

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.

Paul Glennon, Site Manager, John Perkins Construction, is delighted with Stannah’s performance and achievement throughout this demanding project: “On behalf of John Perkins, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the lift modernisation works carried out by Stannah at Bridewell, Bristol.

“Considering the bespoke nature of the project and the restrictions in place due to the age of the lift, we are pleased to say that the project has been completed in a positive and can-do manner from start to finish, resulting in a final product that has more than met our expectations.

“The engineers on site have worked tirelessly to ensure the project ran smoothly and have spent considerable time and effort working around complications as they arose. For this we are grateful as I am sure the project benefited from their experience and dedication.”

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