Stannah – creating access to arts and entertainment
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A Stannah Midilift XLplus platform lift is making sure that people of all mobility levels can access the varied arts and entertainments on offer in the recently renovated John Peel Centre of Creative Arts in Stowmarket, Suffolk.
Housed in the 19th-century Corn Exchange, the venue is named after John Peel, the legendary English disk jockey, radio presenter and journalist. It is now a community hotspot of eclectic and non-elitist cultural activities and events, with the Midilift XLplus supporting its goal ‘to see more members of the community able to participate in and enjoy the benefits of pursuing their own artistic endeavours and supporting the efforts of others’.
Traction-driven at a speed of 0.15m/s over a distance of 2960mm, the Midilift XLplus provides access between ground and the new mezzanine levels. It looks and behaves more like a conventional passenger lift but its running costs are noticeably lower which helps the centre to run cost-effectively.
The lift car is finished in light grey vinyl skin plate and features a stainless steel dado rail, a half-height mirror on the rear wall, and slate-effect flooring. Safety features include lacquered-beech, 30-minute fire doors, an intercom communication system, full-height light ray and safety edge entrance protection.
Although all the platform lifts in the Midilift range are supplied in structure-supported enclosures for easy installation, this Midilift XLplus was adapted to fit the existing lift shaft by removing the steel infill panels from the enclosure.
Further requirements included a headroom of 2500mm and a 70mm pit to facilitate level floor access.
Nick Bryant, Director of Martindales Architects Ltd, specified the Stannah Midilift XLplus platform lift because “it was the best and most cost-effective solution to the client’s requirements and space available.”
Chairman of the John Peel Centre of Creative Arts, Andrew Stringer, adds: “Our venue welcomes people of all mobility levels. With the support of the Stannah Midilift XLplus everyone can access our gigs, which have already included some of John Peel’s favourite acts such as Billy Bragg and The Wedding Present.”
The Midilift XLplus is Part M (England & Wales) and Section 4.2 (Scotland) compliant; meets the requirements of the Equality Act 2010; and is serviced by the East Anglia branch of Stannah Lift Services, part of a nationwide network providing 24 hour, 365 days a year support.