We are delighted to announce that we, due to our successful collaboration with Stannah, have been awarded Project of the Year in the Special Purpose Lifts Category by the highly esteemed Elevator World.
Elevator World is the lift industry’s pre-eminent publication, read in over 80 countries. The award is for our involvement in the Grade I-listed Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) restoration project.
We specified two Stannah lifts for installation in an existing, large stone ventilation shaft inside Elizabeth Tower. The main Stannah lift travels 57 meters from the ground to the 11th floor at a top speed of 1.5 meters per second. With a second lift, a platform lift, providing access to the Belfry.
This complex and challenging project resulted in energy-efficient, precisely engineered lift systems that greatly facilitate the work of clock engineers and could potentially save lives in a medical emergency, all while preserving the clock tower’s historic integrity.
The 2025 Elevator Awards celebrate remarkable lift projects that demonstrate innovative design, special applications or approaches and are judged by industry experts. As you can imagine, we are thrilled with the achievement and want to thank the dedicated, talented team members who made this complex, iconic project possible.
Our Director of Vertical Transport, John Newbold, said:
“We have worked at Elizabeth Tower for a long time, so it is great to share what we have been part of. The restoration project itself has been a difficult project due to the age and working space, not to mention the global pandemic, but an immensely rewarding one. We have relished analysing the problems, and there is something special about using cutting-edge technological solutions in such a historical building. Working with Stannah to turn our aspirations and vision into practical, cutting-edge lift manufacturing possibilities has been brilliant. It’s a real achievement for everyone involved.”
What we have been able to achieve inside Big Ben is not only a technological breakthrough; it has also brought so many everyday benefits. Not only is Big Ben ready for the new modern age, but the people who work in the tower every day can reach the bell tower without climbing 334 steps (each way!).
The award announcement comes at the end of our 20th year as an independent lift consulting engineering company that has overseen lifts on behalf of Parliament’s Property and Asset Strategy Team since 2013.
David Saunders, Head of Major Projects Division at Stannah Lifts, said:
“Winning this award is a testament to the Stannah and SVMA teams for their hard work, creativity and dedication to providing lift solutions in buildings with unique challenges”. The fact that the tower now provides step-free access for the maintenance team despite its Grade I Listing, Central London location and the slight lean, is great, but also, we can all take pride that these lifts are engineering marvels that the Victorians would have been proud of.”
We are certainly very proud of our achievement, and there is a lot more we have to share with you about our award and our project, so please watch this space. If you can’t wait, why not take a look at our Big Ben case study? Simply click here to have a read.
Established in 2004, SVM Associates pride ourselves on our industry expertise, persistent attention to detail, personable working style and unique approach to all aspects of building services, including; Lifts, Escalators and Facade Access, Mechanical Electrical and Public Health and Facilities Management.
For more information or to talk to one of our expert team, get in touch today.
