MARLOWE HOUSE
Sidcup
TONY WARREN LIMITED
The lifts in Marlowe House had been installed by Schindler in 1966 and, at the start of the project in 2007, had been maintained for all of their life by Schindler — but not by way of eight five year contract, four ten year contracts, etc, but a single 40 year ‘comprehensive’ contract signed in 1967.
During that time, no works had been carried out on the Fireman’s Lift at all, this
still having the original relay control panel, mechanical selector and fluted aluminium
car. The four main passenger had fared better with the original DC gearless machines
having benefited from replacement SCR drive systems and a microprocessor control
system. Unfortunately, however, this ‘new’ control system was unreliable and the
only other example of this control system in the UK, manufactured by Schindler in
America, had already been replaced thus product support was virtually non-
This was the first building where the Metropolitan Police where the landlord as well as a tenant, this further complicated by having other commercial tenants in the building which was to remain fully occupied during the modernisation works. One final challenge was the desire by the Client to upgrade the Fireman’s Lift to bring it in line with current standards for firefighters lifts, this requiring all landing entrances to be raised 25mm to prevent water entering the lift well should a dry riser be left open when a hose is connected.
The result? Efficient, reliable and comfortable lifts, one that can also be used safely by firefighters if required.
© 2010 TONY WARREN LIMITED
Metropolitan Police
White Young Green
Guideline
£450,000
Modernisation of five lifts
Client:
Commissioned by:
Lift Contractor:
Lift Value:
Scope:
