Project Description
As part of Bruntwood SciTech, 111 Piccadilly is one of Manchester’s smartest workspaces offering coworking and office space. Originally built in 1964, the 18-storey office hub was serviced by two lifts that were struggling to serve the growing 111 Piccadilly community. Having a lift system that is well engineered and capable of coping with traffic safely is vital for any multi-storey office building. A long-term solution was needed.
State-of-the-art facilities in need of new lifts
Customer Operations Manager, Bruntwood SciTech, Gillian Hanley said: “Having a lift system that is well engineered and capable of coping with passenger traffic safely and efficiently is vital for any multi-storey office building. 111 Piccadilly only had two [lifts] originally, having been modernised in 2002 and didn’t operate properly. The building was operating at almost full capacity at the time, and while users were patient with the lifts it’s not good for the lifts to cause delays – particularly at rush hour.”
Making the ‘impossible’ possible
The solution was to fully replace the two current lifts and, ambitiously, install a third scenic glass lift to offer impressive panoramic views across Manchester with each lift car having capacity for 17 passengers. However, it wasn’t simple – the ambitious project [the new panoramic lift] had previously been deemed impossible to execute due to the Rochdale Canal running directly underneath the proposed site for the new shaft. This required a unique engineering solution in the form of a suspended load-bearing pit along with a bespoke means of access.
Experts curated by LECS UK solve the engineering feat
This is when Bruntwood SciTech turned to our team of accomplished independent consulting lift engineers with an impressive track record of solving near impossible and highly complex engineering problems. LECS UK got to work, putting together a specialist design team. Working closely with Bruntwood SciTech’s Associate Director, Sam Markowicz; Ric Burgess head of construction; the team also included Chris Corrigan of DW Consulting, as structural engineer designing the lift shaft; Colin O’Gara of GMI Construction who led the shaft build; Bridge Architects; Classic Lifts, and Triple A – all offering invaluable input.
John Bentley, LECS UK, said: “Having been associated with the two original lifts in 111 Piccadilly for over 20 years we were aware of the technical challenges of this project – a project that had originally been mooted in the early 2000’s and was deemed insurmountable at the time. Leap to 2023 and the ambitious and highly skilled design team that we formed was able to overcome all the issues and finally progress the project. For the glass lift the construction of an additional lift shaft required a suspended pit alongside the Rochdale Canal basin and the design team readily met the challenge. The glass, steel, and concrete shaft soon emerged from the basement of the building.”
Installing multiple lifts while maintaining service
Following the completion of the additional shaft build came the challenge of installing each new lift systematically while also maintaining a two-lift service in the building at all times. LECS UK ensured that the installation went smoothly, communicating with the team at Bruntwood SciTech throughout.
Bruntwood’s Gillian Hanley continued: “Communication was key. We were continually updated on the progress, and what each next step involved. This enabled us to relay to our customers when the lifts were going to be out of service or if there was going to be any disruptive noise prior to the work being carried out. This minimised negative impact for both us and our customers. The installation was completed in a timely and efficient manner. The glass lift is a fantastic asset to the building, offering a beautiful panoramic view of Manchester. The finishing touches of within the lift cars are also outstanding.”
LECS UK, together with Bridge Architects and Bruntwood SciTech commissioned a local artist to create a map graphic of Manchester. This beautiful piece is now part of an initiative from Bruntwood and LECS UK to create a captive audience for local artwork in several of Bruntwood’s flagship buildings.
John Bentley, of LECS UK said: “The bespoke car interiors and artwork added the final touches to one of our more challenging projects.”
The response from staff and wider community
Staff and customers at Bruntwood SciTech are delighted with the new lift system. The two new pristine lifts in the original shafts along with the additional new panoramic glass lift all fit with the building’s aesthetic and match 111 Piccadilly’s state-of-the-art facilities – offering an efficient and safe way for the occupants to access the building.
Facilities Manger, Neil Stocks, 111 Piccadilly said: “We can get to the floors a lot faster and the destination controls are very good, it’s a great asset to the building.”
Hanley added, “The installation programme was exceptional and the on-site team commendable. The result brings a smooth flow of traffic throughout and looks fantastic too.”
The end result: a vastly improved lift service – achieved with minimised disruption
The team used its technical expertise to design a vastly improved lift service that met the needs of 111 Piccadilly’s community. The design resolved the issue of the canal below and also met current BCO and CIBSE guidance for traffic handling with all three lifts fully compliant with UK standards and regulation.
Gillian Hanley commented on the project by saying: “LECS UK is brilliant, they’re my go-to for any lift queries.”
John Bentley said: “We are really very proud of the project at 111 Piccadilly. This iconic building now has a vastly improved lift service plus an impressive third lift offering remarkable views across the city. All of this was achieved with minimised disruption for customers and staff. The project is now one of many that we have executed effectively for Bruntwood SciTech.”
LECS UK’s team has delivered numerous high-end and impressive projects across UK office space. Other related projects include the redevelopment of 140,000sq ft building at Royal London, Cheshire; the design and installation of a spectacular glass lift within a stone spiral staircase at Loewe, London; and a 185,000 sq ft mixed-use development over nine floors at 150 Holborn.
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