A Modern Solution to a Victorian Challenge (Sherwood Observatory, Nottingham)
Overview
Sherwood Observatory’s vision for a new educational visitor attraction on its existing site came to fruition at the end of November 2024 with the opening of a new planetarium and science discovery centre. The project involved the sympathetic transformation of a Victorian subterranean reservoir, maintaining its original features to preserve the history of the building while also ensuring that the venue was accessible for its visitors throughout.
Preserving History
The challenge lay in providing that access via a lift that could function within the fabric of a 19th century building. The Gartec team had to work closely with the client to ensure they had the right specification and design for the lift that would give visitors the ability to travel seamlessly around the building from the older part at lower level up into the new planetarium.
Stephen Spiegelhalter, Project Manager at GF Tomlinson Building Ltd, said:
“This has been a challenging installation as we’ve had to fit the lift inside of a Victorian water reservoir that was built in 1886. It’s not something you do every day, but the solution that we’ve managed to come up with works really nicely.
“We were keen to use Gartec because we’ve got a history of using the company on projects and they’ve done lots of successful installations for us. We also know that they’re a user-friendly company that is very keen to make sure that they’ve got exactly the right specification and the right design that works for the right building.”
Precise Design and Fit
The Artico PublicLift Access platform lift met the client’s requirements in that its numerous size options enabled the lift to fit into the building’s existing structural opening. It also allowed for three stop entries and is compliant with disability and building regulations.
Stephen added:
“Our clients have seen the finished product. They’ve ridden the lift and are happy with the installation. It is a wonderful addition to the building, and they are excited to use it in the future.”
Specification
Lift: Aritco PublicLift Access platform lift
Technical details: Three-stop entry, compact design to fit within the Victorian reservoir’s structural opening
Reasons for purchase: Seamless accessibility across levels, trust in Gartec’s expertise and proven track record of successful installations
