Case Study: Stannah lift spurs access in Tudor Museum

Visitors to Maidstone Museum in Kent have every reason to cheer the arrival of an external Stannah Midilift SL platform lift in this Grade II* listed paragon of Elizabethan architecture, the former Chillington Manor.

Why? Because it brings access to three floors of cultural facilities for people of all mobilities – buggy-pushers and wheelchair-users included. That’s access to internationally important collections of human history and world cultures, and accompanying comfort essentials such as accessible toilets. 

Sited in a small courtyard, the through-entry Midilft SL outdoor lift is supplied in a fully glazed structure for easy, flexible installation. Built to withstand the elements, its compact footprint is ideal for space-strapped locations. 

In this case, it also supports a policy of democratic access throughout an historic building functioning under the beady eye of Historic England. The considerable access arsenal also includes disabled parking, ramps, onsite wheelchair, and a warm welcome to guide dogs and hard-of-hearing groups.

The 23 individual glass panels and panoramic, fully glazed doors at each level allow the lift to meld with its environment whilst simultaneously showcasing the period features to visitors as they travel a total distance of 3900mm.

Operation is easy via a backlit, push-button control panel, whilst the grab rail, roomy chequer-plate platform and emergency intercom deliver manoeuvrability and reassurance. To conserve energy the ceiling light is timer-operated. 

Lyn Palmer, Public Programming Manager at Maidstone Museum, comments:

“We strive to make accessing Maidstone Museum easier for visitors with a disability. In recent years we have implemented a number of changes to ensure convenience for all, with the external Stannah Midilift SL proving an invaluable addition in opening up the first-floor exhibitions.”

As with all Stannah lift products, the external Midilift SL access lift is covered by Stannah’s comprehensive lift service plan, which includes four service visits, with continued lift maintenance by the London and the South East (Dartford)branch of Stannah Lift Services, part of a nationwide network providing comprehensive lift servicing and support.