Essex Church

The challenge

Located in Brentwood, this site has a rich history spanning over 60 years and has become a cornerstone of the local community, welcoming people of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds. In 2024, the church underwent major transformations. This was the introduction to a modern facility that replaced the original 1956 building. As part of this redevelopment, new facilities were introduced to significantly enhance accessibility throughout the church.

We were approached by the church and their appointed contractor, who had originally designed the building with a conventional passenger lift to provide disabled access from the ground to the first floor.

However, there were a few primary challenges:

They expressed concern over the significant costs and structural implications associated with the large pit, headroom requirements, and the lift itself. As a result, they began exploring more practical alternatives.

We proposed the APL Elite Cabin Lift as a more suitable solution. This model features sliding doors, single-press operation, and a fully enclosed cabin, providing the aesthetic and user experience of a traditional passenger lift

Key Benefits:

• Compact Design: Requires only 2,600mm headroom and a pit depth of just 120mm, reducing both building impact and installation cost.
• Enhanced Usability: With its sliding doors and single-press operation, the APL Elite Cabin Lift offers a more convenient and user-friendly experience than typical low-pit, low-headroom platform lifts.
• Improved Accessibility: The ease of use and aesthetic familiarity of the lift make it ideal for regular use, meaning a greater number of church visitors can benefit from safe, step-free access.

Before proceeding with the purchase from Alliance Platform Lifts, we invited both the client and the contractor to our showroom to view a fully installed cabin lift in situ. This visit provided the client with a firsthand experience of the lift’s performance, build quality, and design. It also allowed the contractor to gain a clear understanding of the installation process, shaft construction requirements, and associated building works. Ensuring everyone was fully informed before the project moved forward.

Our solution: Elite Cabin Lift

This project demonstrates how early collaboration, practical innovation, and client engagement can lead to a successful accessibility solution. By selecting the APL Elite Cabin Lift, the church and contractor were able to achieve full step-free access without compromising on aesthetics, usability, or budget.

At Alliance Platform Lifts, we pride ourselves on delivering tailored lift solutions that not only meet building requirements but also enhance everyday use for a wide range of users. We’re proud to have supported this project and look forward to helping more clients create inclusive, future-ready spaces.