Introduction

The Bridge, an 11-storey residential block in London overlooking Battersea Park, underwent a large-scale lift modernisation to improve access for its residents. ILE worked in partnership with Target Lifts for this vital upgrade, ensuring the building’s lifts met modern standards of reliability and performance.

The challenge

The three aging Otis Gen2 lifts in the building were failing with increasing frequency. In particular, Lift B’s two controllers had lost communication with each other, leaving engineers unable to access fault codes or diagnose issues effectively. With the lift often out of service, residents – including elderly individuals, expectant mothers, and others with mobility challenges – were left struggling to move around their building. Target Lifts was called in to identify a solution to restore reliable access for all.

The approach

With three lifts servicing the flats and penthouses, a phased approach was adopted, with two replacements scheduled for 2024 and one for 2025. Lift B was addressed first, with a complete machine and controller replacement. As the project was in an existing occupied building, there needed to be as little disruption as possible, and a Ziehl-Abegg machine complete with new pulleys and belts was selected as a direct replacement for the Otis Gen2. This bespoke package fitted seamlessly into the existing Otis architrave, avoiding the need for adaptations to the landing or lengthy structural building work. ILE supplied the Skycom Can-X controller with a simple, straightforward installation, as well as TFT indicators.

Despite some initial labour complications, the project quickly gained momentum. ILE responded quickly to resolve challenges, including delivery of some missing parts, ensuring all items were on site the following day. Technical and Commercial Manager Phil McDonnell also attended site to sort complications around the start-up of the lift, quickly getting it running.

“At ILE we are proud to offer training sessions on our equipment free of charge to our customers, but on the occasion when an engineer installing our equipment is unfamiliar with its setup procedure we will often attend site to assist with the setting up at no extra cost to the customer.” Phil McDonnell, Technical and Commercial Manager ILE.

The result

The Bridge now has a reliable, modern lift system, providing easy access to residents throughout the building. Previously plagued by frequent breakdowns – up to twice a week – residents now enjoy peace of mind, with no issues for over four months. The upgrades will provide long-term durability, ensuring the lifts will serve the building reliably for years to come. This successful collaboration between Target Lifts and ILE has significantly improved the building’s accessibility and efficiency, as well as strengthening the relationship between Target and ILE.