Sheltered Housing Lift Replacement Programme with Bespoke Motala MC2000 Platform Lifts

Complete Lift Replacement Project | Barnsley, South Yorkshire

Project Overview

A1 Access Lifts was appointed as Principal Contractor to deliver the complete replacement of two ageing platform lifts serving separate occupied sheltered housing schemes in Barnsley.

The existing lifts had reached the end of their operational life and no longer met the needs of residents. The objective was not only to replace the lifts, but to significantly improve accessibility by installing two bespoke Motala MC2000 platform lifts, providing larger lift cars and a better user experience whilst working within the constraints of the existing buildings.

The Challenge

This project presented a number of significant structural and technical challenges.

The existing lift shafts were heavily restricted, preventing a standard replacement lift from being installed. To maximise the available lift size and improve accessibility for residents, extensive structural alterations were required.

Acting as Principal Contractor, A1 Access Lifts carefully planned and managed the complete project while both sheltered housing schemes remained occupied. Working closely with the client and residents, every stage of the programme was coordinated to minimise disruption whilst maintaining safe access throughout the buildings.

Our Solution

Following detailed site surveys, our technical team designed a bespoke replacement solution using two Motala MC2000 platform lifts, each manufactured specifically to suit the existing shaft dimensions.

To accommodate the larger lift cars, A1 Access Lifts carried out extensive associated building works, including:

• Removal of the existing platform lifts
• Bespoke manufacture of two Motala MC2000 platform lifts
• Structural alteration of lift entrances
• Removal of existing masonry nibs
• Increasing structural lintel heights
• Lift pit alterations and backfilling
• Electrical modifications
• All associated builders' works
• Complete making-good works
• Testing, commissioning and handover

Delivering the structural alterations alongside the lift installation enabled the client to benefit from significantly larger and more practical lifts without the need for major rebuilding of the existing shafts.

Installation

Working within two occupied sheltered housing schemes required careful planning, excellent communication and a resident-focused approach throughout the programme.

As Principal Contractor, A1 Access Lifts coordinated every aspect of the project, managing the structural works, lift installation, electrical alterations and finishing works under one contract.

Regular communication with residents and the housing provider ensured disruption was kept to an absolute minimum while maintaining the highest standards of safety and workmanship throughout both projects.

The Result

The completed replacement programme has transformed accessibility across both sheltered housing schemes.

By undertaking extensive structural modifications, we were able to install two bespoke 500kg Motala MC2000 platform lifts, each providing approximately 2.8 metres of travel and significantly larger lift cars than the original installations. The result is a more spacious, comfortable and future-proof accessibility solution for residents without the need to reconstruct the existing lift shafts.

The completed projects not only improved reliability and long-term serviceability but also enhanced everyday accessibility, ensuring the buildings continue to provide safe and inclusive access for many years to come.

Project Summary

Project	Sheltered Housing Lift Replacement Programme
Location	Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Building Type	Two Occupied Sheltered Housing Schemes
Role	Principal Contractor
Lift Installed	2 × Bespoke Motala MC2000 Platform Lifts
Project Type	Complete Platform Lift Replacement Programme
Floors Served	2 Floors
Travel Height	Approximately 2,800mm
Rated Capacity	500kg
Special Features	Bespoke lift manufacture to suit existing shaft dimensions
Structural Works	Removal of masonry nibs, increased lintel heights, lift pit alterations, electrical modifications and complete making-good works
Project Achievement	Larger lift cars installed within the existing shafts through bespoke engineering and structural alterations, providing residents with a significantly improved accessibility solution.

Why Choose A1 Access Lifts?

Not every lift replacement is a straightforward like-for-like installation. Many existing buildings present structural constraints that require innovative engineering and experienced project management to achieve the best possible outcome.

With more than 50 years of combined industry experience, A1 Access Lifts specialises in complex lift replacement projects throughout the UK. Acting as Principal Contractor, we manage every aspect of the project, including structural alterations, builders' works, electrical installations and lift commissioning.

Our ability to design bespoke solutions around existing buildings enables clients to maximise accessibility, improve passenger comfort and extend the life of their buildings without the need for major reconstruction.

Planning a Lift Replacement?

If your existing lift no longer meets the needs of your building or users, our experienced team can help.

Whether a straightforward replacement or a complex bespoke installation requiring structural alterations, A1 Access Lifts provides complete turnkey project delivery from initial survey through to installation, commissioning and long-term maintenance.

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