Case Study: Bournemouth restaurant says 'Hola!' to wheelchair users
A Stannah Lowriser vertical platform lift has improved access in the Bournemouth branch of the UK-wide Chimichanga chain of Mexican bars and restaurants. By linking two floor levels, it helps wheelchair users say ‘Hola!’ to the spicy indigenous delights and all-round good times on offer in this vibrant, informal venue.
Access for all
Located adjacent to a one-metre flight of four steps, the Lowriser blends with the distinctive décor to provide access for wheelchair users from the street-level foyer to the bar and restaurant on the lower ground floor.
First choice
Working closely with designer, Zeki Nejat of Zeki Interiors Ltd, the Lowriser was specified by Liam Hainesworth, Project Manager at Gary Bluff Projects Limited, a bespoke refitting services specialist based in Derbyshire. Having used Stannah lift products on previous projects, Liam knew they could rely on Stannah to deliver a first-class service – and the new Lowriser platform lift proved the ideal access solution for this busy venue.
New to Stannah
The Lowriser is brand new to Stannah’s range of vertical platform lifts. Ideal for internal or external vertical travel up to one metre, it brings choice and flexibility to all types of public buildings, schools, colleges, shops etc.
First-class specification
In addition to the extensive list of Lowriser specifications, a stylish jet-black finish and glass infill panels to one side and the upper landing ensure the that it complements Chimichanga’s atmospheric setting.
Total compliance
“We often have very limited timescales to complete a project and Stannah always pulls out all the stops each and every time. From a design perspective, this was a difficult project to ensure the lift worked within its surrounds. Often with disabled lifts they can be seen as unsightly and non-architectural; however, we ensured that this lift complemented its surroundings. The lift itself was placed within a bamboo-clad entrance, with granite upstands and tile returns, making some of the junctions difficult to understand. It was down to the close-working team of Gary Bluff Projects, Zeki Interiors and Stannah that the lift became a success first time round”
The Lowriser helps to ensure compliance with:
The Equality Act 2010
Part M of the Building Regulations (England and Wales) and Section 4.2 of the Technical Handbook (Scotland), both of which cover the requirements that many new buildings must meet to ensure ease of access and use
BS 8300:2009 Code of Practice covering the design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people
UKCA marked and comply with BS6440:1999, the current British Standard for Powered Lifting Platforms
Total support
The Lowriser is serviced by the Southern England branch of Stannah Lift Services, part of a nationwide network providing 24 hour, 365 days a year support. This covers service, repair, modernisation and refurbishment of all types of lifts, stairlifts, escalators and moving walkways – not only those from the Stannah product range, but also other lift manufacturers’ equipment. Stannah also offers a bespoke lifts service, custom-building lifts to meet customers’ specific requirements.