Case Study: ​4 floors of gem heaven – opened up by a Stannah Maxilift

A Stannah Maxilift 2.0 passenger lift has opened up a new outlet of Berry’s Jewellers, located in The Poultry, an historic area of Nottingham in the East Midlands.

In the heart of the city’s jewellery retail centre, the 19th-century building has undergone a complete refurbishment from mobile phone warehouse to 4 storeys of high-end jewellery, diamonds, watches and giftware by leading designers – with the hydraulic lift bringing access for all, including wheelchair users.

The 6-person, heavy-duty glass lift operates between 3 retail levels and the top floor, access to which requires a unique pass code.

Echoing the store’s stylish, spacious aesthetic, the passenger lift is wall-mounted in a scenic, part-glazed shaft that rises through the galleried floors. It operates at a speed of .630m/s over a distance of 11715mm. At ground level, the glazing features mechanical graphics, with the glazing at the upper levels offering lift-user viewability only. The purpose-built lift shaft sizes measure 1475mmW x 1650mmD, with a pit depth of 1200mm.

Maintaining the scenic theme, the 2-panel, side-opening lift doors are also fully glazed, with satin stainless steel surrounds and architraves. The 2100mm lift car is finished in glass and satin stainless steel and features a silver, full-height rear mirror, with a downlit suspended ceiling, and recessed, carpeted floor. Safety is ensured with an entrance protection barrier and an in-car autodialler.

There is no need for a separate motor room as the hydraulic drive is housed in a motor room cabinet located a short distance from the lift. This feature saves space, enhances safety, is cost-effective, and satisfies every Health and Safety consideration.

The Stannah lift was specified by the design team at Hallmark Design & Shopfitting, a speciality design-to-completion business working exclusively in the retail jewellery sector. Managing Director, Jan Wojciechowski, comments:

“The challenge was to convert a dated building into an accessible and desirable retail space. We started with the glass Maxilift 2.0 passenger lift that rises elegantly to showrooms on the first and second floors. It is a cost-effective solution from an established UK lift company with a proven pedigree, and delivers the required level of accessibility to all areas. It also complements the feature, floor-to-ceiling drop-crystal chandelier, and the light, airy feel of the brand new retail space.”

Jan Wojciechowski, Managing Director, Berry's Jewellers

Installing, owning and operating a Stannah passenger lift helps owners meet all standards and regulations, and the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 – all with the reassurance of continued lift maintenance by the East Midlands branch of Stannah Lift Services, part of a nationwide network providing comprehensive lift servicing and support.