Edgbaston engineering consultants give Big Ben a lift
An Edgbaston engineering consultancy has designed the new custom lift for iconic British landmark Big Ben.
SVM Associates (SVMA), based in Edgbaston Village on the Calthorpe Estate, was appointed as the official lift consultant for Parliament’s Design Authority in 2013, and was tasked to improve the safety and accessibility of Elizabeth Tower – more commonly known as Big Ben, in early 2020.
The bespoke lift project forms part of the restoration works undertaken by Sir Robert McAlpine Special Projects (SRM), the appointed main contractor to the renovation of the 162-year-old tower.
The lift is now in operational use for the restoration project team and will see its final handover completed before the end of 2022.
Before the lift was created, the only way to reach the Belfry was via a 334-step stairway.
Partnering with independent lift specialist Stannah for the project, the Birmingham-based team engineered an alternative but essential way for maintenance teams and clock mechanics to climb and evacuate the 96m landmark safely and efficiently without stairs. Considerations also had to be made to ensure the machinery noise would not affect the iconic ringing of Big Ben, which is recorded live each day for BBC News.
John Newbold, director at SVMA, said: “We are delighted to be Parliament’s Design Authority’s official lift consultant, and were thrilled to be tasked with designing the first ever lift for the Elizabeth Tower.
“The passenger lift is an essential modernisation of the overall restoration project and will ensure improved access for maintenance crews for years to come, bringing a safe and much-needed alternative to the 334 steps, especially in the event of a medical emergency.
“This was a fantastic project to engineer, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work in partnership with Parliament on upcoming projects.”
Richard Suart, property director at Calthorpe Estates, concluded: “We are proud to have such a well-respected engineering firm on the Calthorpe Estate, and to be appointed as the lift consultant for the Parliament Design Authority is testament to SVMA’s knowledge and expertise. Creating the lift for Big Ben is an impressive achievement, and we are thrilled that SVMA is showcasing the talent we have in Birmingham.”
SVMA has also worked on a number of other exciting projects in the capital, including supporting the management of lifts and escalators in London’s second tallest building, 22 Bishopsgate, as well as providing technical management assistance for British Land at Broadgate and Regents Place.
