When it comes to winning access campaigns, a Stannah Maxilift MRL motor room-less passenger lift has earned its wings in the Battle of Britain Visitor Centre in Folkestone, Kent.

Housed in The Wing, the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust’s new building at the Capel-le-Ferne site of the National Memorial to the Few, the 8-person passenger lift brings access for all over two floors of exciting and informative facilities comprising:

The Scramble Experience – a hands-on, audio-visual attraction that gives some idea of what it was like for the Few in 1940; a classroom area – to help educate youngsters about this major campaign waged in British airspace, especially the heroism and sacrifice of those involved; and, last but not least, the Cockpit Café, and Viewing Balcony open to views across the Channel.

The Wing was designed in the shape of a spitfire wing by chartered building surveyors Godden Allen Lawn, with Kent-based Epps Construction as main contractor. Nick Hamer, Project Manager for Epps, comments:

“We put our passenger lift requirement out to tender with the Stannah Maxilift MRL coming in as the most cost-effective, fit-for-purpose solution. We have used Stannah lift products before and have had Stannah recommended to us within the industry. The Stannah passenger lift is performing to the desired standard and was even used by the Queen herself at the official opening of The Wing.”

This EN81-70 compliant lift solution ensures accessibility for all. The lift is housed in an aesthetically attractive, circular structure, with the stairs sited to the left, winding around and behind it. Hydraulically rope-driven in a wall-mounted shaft, the lift operates over a distance of 4180mm, at a speed of .50m/s. The motor room-less capability saves space with the controller located in a landing architrave at ground-floor level.

The Maxilift MRL finish complements its environment, with silver-grey interior car walls, brushed stainless steel doors, a silver half-height rear mirror and dark slate floor. For added safety and reassurance, an autodialler allows communication between the lift user and the premises’ staff.

As with all Stannah lift products, the Maxilift MRL passenger lift is covered by Stannah’s comprehensive 12 month lift servicing cover, with 6 service visits and continued lift maintenance by the Dartford branch of the London & South East arm of Stannah Lift Services, part of a nationwide network providing comprehensive lift servicing and support.