58
INTERIORS
Stannah Lifts delivers safer handling and enhanced effi ciency at The Harris
T
he Harris in Preston, Lancashire, has signifi cantly improved operational effi ciency and staff safety with the recent installation of a Stannah dumbwaiter. Faced with the frequent challenge of moving heavy and fragile items between fl oors, The Harris Cafe needed an effi cient solution that would provide a dedicated internal access route, removing the need to manoeuvre goods through public areas. First opened to the public in 1893, the Grade I listed building has stood as a cultural landmark in Preston for over 125 years, hosting world-class exhibitions and collections that have inspired generations. The Harris has recently undergone a £19 million redevelopment designed to restore, reimagine and revitalise The Harris for the 21st century, creating a more welcoming and accessible environment while preserving its rich heritage.
The transformational Harris Preston City Your
Place project has been possible thanks to the generous support of its funders and partners, Heritage
including The National Lottery Fund,
Council,
the UK Government’s Towns Fund, Arts Council England and Lancashire County Council, alongside contributions from trusts, foundations and individual donors.
The work The refurbishment project included repairing the building to restore its architectural appeal while upgrading its infrastructure for modern use. This involved refurbishing 18 galleries, a new cafe with the installation of a Stannah Microlift dumbwaiter, plus visitor shop and event venue, as well as improving accessibility and enhancing visitor experiences. Accessibility has been central to the design, with new circulation routes and inclusive features ensuring that every visitor feels welcome and represented.
Preston City Council has led the project in collaboration with Conlon Construction Ltd, who oversaw the major structural works, and HUB Build, responsible for the interior fi t-out. Buttress Architects served as lead architects for the restoration, while Ralph Appelbaum Associates developed the overall design strategy and visitor experience. Direct
Access provided accessibility consultancy to ensure inclusive design across
© Ben Harrison Photography
all spaces, with Ridge and Partners LLP and Focus Consultants supporting the project’s delivery
and quality The solution
Stannah Lifts recommended a fl oor-level loading Microlift as the most effective solution for
The Harris Cafe. Unlike
traditional dumbwaiters that load at waist height, the fl oor-level Microlift allows items to be transferred directly on and off the lift using small trolleys, roll cages or pallets. The fl oor loading design signifi cantly reduces the need for strenuous lifting and drastically lowers the risk of back injuries and other manual handling-related accidents. Its impact is being appreciated by staff.
The Microlift dumbwaiter features a galvanised steel supporting frame that can be erected quickly with minimal on-site building work and does not require a load-bearing shaft. With a 100 kg capacity, the Microlift 100B model provides fast and reliable transport of goods between fl oors, offering a cost-effective way to mitigate manual handling risks while improving operational effi ciency. To complement the surrounding environment, the Microlift car and landing entrances are fi nished in a durable grey baked- enamel coating, delivering both functionality and a clean professional appearance.
The results
The installation of the Stannah Microlift has delivered signifi cant improvements in providing safe loading,
transporting goods to the fi rst and second fl oors of galleries assurance. and exhibitions. Stannah
Lifts managed the installation and provides ongoing maintenance of the dumbwaiter.
By providing a dedicated internal route for transporting heavy and fragile items between fl oors, the dumbwaiter has made it easier for staff to manoeuvre goods, reducing manual handling risks and improving safety. Fitted with a modern VVVF (Variable Variable Frequency) drive delivers
Voltage system,
the Microlift improved
energy effi ciency without compromising performance or lifting power. This advanced drive technology ensures smoother operation, reduced power consumption and lower long-term running costs. As a result, the Microlift now facilitates reliable and controlled movement of goods between fl oors while offering a quieter, more effi cient and energy-effi cient solution for the client’s daily operations. Timothy Joel, assistant director, head of culture for Preston City Council, shares: “The installation of the new fl oor-loading Microlift dumbwaiter from Stannah Lifts has greatly improved café operations and ensures safer handling of bulky items. It’s safer for our staff, streamlines workfl ows, and allows us to focus on further improving operational effi ciency.” With the redevelopment complete and operational logistics improved, The Harris is now better equipped to manage high visitor numbers and support its growing programme of exhibitions and events. As a result, the refurbished building is expected to attract an additional 100,000 visitors each year, building on its existing annual footfall of 350,000.
contact@stannah.co.uk www.stannahlifts.co.uk
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
ADF MARCH 2026
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
