Case Study – Improving Accessibility for the RCVS at Hardwick Street, London

Delivering a Passenger Lift and Platform Lift for the RCVS Renovation

For architects planning major renovations, vertical transport is an important piece of the puzzle. It determines flow, accessibility, and defines the user experience. At the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ new headquarters in London, the renovation required a new, larger passenger lift to serve the building, and a dedicated access lift to guarantee a fully inclusive entrance.

Tower Lifts has been a trusted partner on London refurbishment and development projects for more than 10 years. As specialist London lift installers, we offer a comprehensive service that covers everything from initial design consultation to final commissioning. Our experience includes a huge range of installations, from passenger lift systems to inclusive access solutions across the capital.

The Project Brief – A Dual Approach to Accessibility

The RCVS’s renovation of 1-2 Hardwick Street in Clerkenwell, required a complete vertical transport solution. The brief was twofold – first, to install a new, high-capacity passenger lift to serve as the building’s primary means of getting from one floor to another. Second was the integration of a dedicated access lift at the entrance to the building.

A Coordinated Solution

Our brief was to deliver both lift packages while working in closely with the main contractor and other trades on a busy, live site. The primary passenger lift installation was scheduled within the main build programme. The platform lift, a sleek and modern Tech Lift M4 model, required careful coordination to ensure its installation was perfectly timed with the final finishes of the reception area.

As the sole provider, managing both installations, we provided the client with a single point of contact, ensuring clear communication and an integrated approach from start to finish.

The Tower Lifts Approach – Matching the Technology to the Task

We began with a thorough technical evaluation. A high-traffic passenger lift was specified to meet the heavy daily demands of a busy headquarters. For the entrance, we recommended the Tech Lift M4 platform lift because its open-style design and minimal pit requirements made it ideal for this kind of integrated architectural setting. This solution provided the necessary accessibility without demanding major structural intrusion, preserving the clean lines of the new reception.

Precision and Quality

Our installation process is built on attention to detail and precision. For the RCVS access lift, this meant ensuring millimetre-perfect alignment with the finished floor levels for a truly step-free experience. Our engineers handled every aspect, from the precise assembly of the lift mechanics to the integration of the user controls. This focus on technical detail ensures the final product is not only compliant and reliable but also feels like a high-quality and integral part of the building.

The Tower Lifts’ Guarantee in Action

The client was delighted with their new, fully accessible building, a result that showcases the Tower Lifts guarantee. This isn’t just a promise – it’s a system we employ on every installation we carry out.

Our ISO 9001:2015 certification guarantees a quality-managed process. ISO 45001 ensures the highest level of site safety. Our LEIA membership confirms we adhere to industry best practices. And as a Constructionline approved supplier holding the UKAS LiftCert, we offer independently verified competence. This framework is how we ensure every access lift we install meets the highest standards.

Do you have a project that requires specialist lift expertise? Call the Tower Lifts team to find out how we can help – 01525 601099

Tower Lifts carry out design and installation on a varied range of lifts throughout the UK including:

Domestic Lifts • Food Lifts • Bespoke Platform Lifts • Service Lifts • Platform Lifts • Goods Lifts • Scenic Lifts • Heavy Duty / Car Lifts • Passenger Lifts • Dumbwaiter Lifts • MRL Lifts • Fire lifts • Residential Lifts • low-Headroom Lift