TEST

Category Archives: Lift Maintenance

Lift Maintenance & Emergency Breakdown Services*

At VM Elevators, we excel in providing comprehensive lift & escalator maintenance services, prioritising the uninterrupted operation and safety of all our vertical transportation. Our team of highly qualified technicians conduct routine inspections, lubrication and adjustments to mitigate potential issues and extend the lifespan of the equipment. With our proactive approach, we address any emerging concerns promptly, prioritising user safety, customer satisfaction and seamless vertical mobility for all our clients.

All of our maintenance contracts are approved by the Lift & Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) of which we hold full membership.

We offer all our maintenance contract holders, 24-7 emergency breakdown cover.

Lift Maintenance Services

**VM Elevators is a premium and independent Lift and Escalator Services provider, established in London in 2008 and now operating UK Nationwide. We provide comprehensive services including lift maintenance and lift repair within London and the Home Counties. For areas beyond, we specialise in Lift Modernisation, Lift Design and New Lift Installation packages only*.

County Hall – London

CASE STUDY: Unlock the Hidden History of County Hall: Power Struggles, Modern Marvels, and VM Elevators’ Incredible Journey!

From 2018 to present day, VM Elevators has been maintaining and modernising the lift systems at the iconic County Hall. Today, we delve deeper into its history and why it serves as a pinnacle of London’s rich history.

The heritage of County Hall, an iconic landmark on the South Bank of the River Thames in London, intertwines the city’s administrative evolution, architectural advancements and cultural growth.

Let’s explore the history of County Hall and see how VM Elevators has been pivotal since 2018 in maintaining one of London’s beacons in the cityscape.

 

The Early Days of County Hall

County Hall is a well-known landmark on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It’s important because it shows how London’s government and architecture have changed over time. Built in the early 20th century, it was first the headquarters for the London County Council (LCC) and later for the Greater London Council (GLC).

Building County Hall

In the late 1800s, London’s local government, the LCC, needed a bigger space. In 1905, they held a competition to design a new building, and architect Ralph Knott won. Construction started in 1911 but was delayed by World War I. The building opened in 1922 and was finally finished in 1933. Made of Portland stone with a grand rotunda, it’s a beautiful example of Edwardian Baroque architecture.

Architectural Significance

County Hall is a fantastic example of Edwardian Baroque architecture, a style popular in early 1900s Britain. The building’s grand entrance, with big columns and detailed sculptures, shows off the pride and power it was meant to represent. Inside, it has wide hallways, marble staircases, and impressive meeting rooms, like the Council Chamber with its high ceilings and rich wood panelling. The Rotunda, a famous circular space, adds to the building’s grandeur.

The London County Council Era

When County Hall first opened, it became the centre of London’s local government. The LCC managed education, housing, public health, and transportation. They created parks, improved living conditions with social housing projects, and developed a comprehensive public education system.

Transition to the Greater London Council

In 1965, the LCC was replaced by the Greater London Council (GLC), which managed a larger area and more responsibilities. County Hall remained important, involved in major projects like regenerating Docklands and expanding public transportation. The GLC also supported cultural initiatives and the arts.

The Thatcher Years and the Abolition of the GLC

In the 1980s, there was tension between the central government and the GLC, led by Ken Livingstone. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s government abolished the GLC in 1986, ending County Hall’s role as London’s local government headquarters.

Post-GLC Era and Commercial Transformation

After the GLC was abolished, County Hall was sold to a Japanese company in 1988. It was redeveloped into a mixed-use complex with hotels, offices, and cultural attractions like the London Marriott Hotel County Hall and the Sea Life London Aquarium. In 2000, a new form of city-wide governance was established, but it was based in City Hall near Tower Bridge.

 

VM Elevators: Guardians of County Hall’s Vertical Transportation

Since 2018, VM Elevators has maintained and operated the elevators at County Hall. We make sure the lifts work smoothly and meet modern standards while preserving their historical integrity. This job is an honour for us, allowing us to contribute to the legacy of this iconic building.

Why Lifts Are Important at County Hall

The lifts are super important for inclusivity and getting around County Hall. They help:

  • Hotel Guests: People staying at the London Marriott Hotel County Hall use the lifts to easily move between floors.
  • Office Workers: Many businesses work inside County Hall, and the lifts help people get to their offices quickly.
  • Tourists and Visitors: Attractions like the Sea Life London Aquarium and the London Dungeon bring lots of visitors who need the lifts to get around.

The lifts at County Hall are a great example of combining old and new. We keep them safe, efficient, and beautifully maintained, fitting in perfectly with the historic building.

For VM Elevators, taking care of these lifts is a special job that shows our commitment to excellence.

Cultural and Social Impact

County Hall has been more than just an administrative building; it’s a symbol of London’s resilience. It survived World War II bombings and has hosted many exhibitions, events, and performances. Attractions like the London Dungeon have made it a key cultural landmark on the South Bank.

Architectural Preservation and Legacy

Preserving County Hall’s architectural integrity is crucial. It’s a Grade II* listed building, meaning any changes must respect its historical and aesthetic value. Restoration projects balance modernisation with maintaining its original character. County Hall’s blend of classical and modern elements has influenced other public buildings and contributed to London’s architectural heritage.

County Hall is a monument to London’s changing governance, architectural innovation, and cultural richness. From its beginnings as the LCC headquarters to its current role as a commercial and cultural hub, it has adapted to the city’s evolving needs.

Its history reflects London’s challenges and triumphs.

For VM Elevators, maintaining the lifts at County Hall is a symbol of prestige, ensuring the building remains accessible and operational for everyone.

#ElevateYourBusiness today and 📞 call us for free on 0800 448 8615 to speak to one of our expert management team – or submit a free quotation request at vmelevators.com

#wearevmelevators

Drumsheds, London – Tottenham

Winning the maintenance contract at Drumsheds is a significant achievement for us here at VM Elevators and a testament to our company’s excellence in lift maintenance services.  By prioritising proactive maintenance and leveraging our engineer’s specialised expertise, we can continue to set the standard for excellence in the commercial, high-traffic sectors providing an unprecedented customer experience for our clients and theirs.
We serve London and the home counties, so if you need an experienced and reliable lift services provider to #ElevateYourBusiness and call us for free on 0800 448 8615 to speak to one of our expert management team.

Continue reading

Marcus Watches – London

Marcus Watches, situated in the prestigious Mayfair district of London, is renowned as one of the world’s foremost destinations for luxury timepieces. With a commitment to excellence and a reputation for curating the finest selection of watches from renowned brands, Marcus Watches provides an unparalleled shopping experience for discerning clientele. VM Elevators’ Lift maintenance operations at Marcus Watches are integral to upholding the store’s impeccable standards and ensuring a flawless environment for showcasing luxury timepieces and are essential for preserving the allure and reputation of Marcus Watches as a beacon of luxury and sophistication in Mayfair.

By prioritising proactive maintenance and leveraging our engineer’s specialised expertise, we can continue to set the standard for excellence in the luxury retail sector providing an unprecedented customer experience for our clients and theirs. We serve London and the home counties, so if you need an experienced and reliable lift services provider to #elevateyourbusiness and call us for free on 0800 448 8615 to speak to one of our expert management team – or submit a free quotation request.

Brampton Manor Academy – London

Brampton Manor Academy

In 2022 – VM Elevators conducted a repair in Brampton Manor Academy, Newham, London – we investigated and rectified an ongoing fault that was occurring on their passenger lift in their main building. With all parties extremely happy with our response and efforts, further discussions took place and we were delighted to be awarded the maintenance contract for all the lifts on their site, which we now look after on a bi-monthly basis.

As a lift company supporting passenger and goods movement in one of the world’s most affluent cities, VM Elevators’ engineers fully recognises the volume of premium building standards within the city of London and Home Counties.

Due to this, we strive to deliver a high-quality lift service in every project we undertake, that aligns with these standards and more importantly, the building users’ expectations.

Whittingon Hospital NHS Trust Lift & Escalator Contractor

We are thrilled to announce that as of October 2022 – we are the nominated lift and escalator contractors for The Whittington Hospital NHS Trust.

Over the years, VM Elevators has sustained a very positive and successful relationship within the public sector across Greater London, home counties and major UK cities.

We have a long-standing relationship with the Trust – in 2021, we completed a full control system upgrade at the NHS centre in Holloway Rd, North London and are honoured to be providing our services again moving forward.

Over recent times we have all become acutely aware of the importance of all elements of the NHS teams.
A small contribution, that we at VM Elevators hope to provide, is a significant increase in the service and reliability of the vertical transportation needs of this important London based facility to ensure the needs of their patients are never compromised by a lack of efficient floor to floor lift transportation.

Army Museum Chelsea – London

IMG  WA

VM Elevators have been appointed as the lift service providers for the Army Museum in the heart of Chelsea, having worked with the client previously we are proud to be offering our services on a full time basis ensuring all their lift requirements are met.