It was the vision of farmer Martin Vickers 30 years ago to plant a vineyard that would one day match continental sites. Today, at Halfpenny Green Vineyards, a few miles West of Dudley, 30 acres of vines are managed by Martin, producing award-winning wines crafted by his son Clive. A family business, the acclaimed shop, restaurant, deli and tea room are run by Clive’s wife Lisa, and offer a great day out for visitors.
When the Vineyard was thinking of expanding the shop area of the business, Invalifts were called in to offer expert advice on how disabled access could be fully achieved. The main issue was a significant floor level discrepancy between the new area and the older shop area and the new area was also to have an upper floor accessed by new stairs.
Invalifts recommended the MC2000 platform lift with an open through configuration. The 1250mm x 1590mm standard sized unit ensured that the platform size was fully compliant to Part M of Building Regulations and the Equality Act. To let as much light pass into the shop they offered a partially glazed shaft and glazed doors. The ground floor door into the existing shop was fitted with a hidden door closer, as there was an existing beam that the client wanted to retain and a standard closer would have fouled the beam. The whole unit was mounted directly on to the concrete floor and a small chequer plate ramp was fitted at the lower ground floor door in lieu of the 60mm pit. The whole installation took just 3 days to complete.
The final product blends beautifully with the new overall decoration, helping to bridge the new with the old. The use of glass has let light come into the area and has ensured that older beams are not hidden but rather shown and highlight the architecture of the original building. The new lift is used by the disabled, elderly and parents with push chairs to gain access to all levels of the shop.
To see a short video of this lift and installation, or to find out more about the MC2000 platform lift, visit the website at www.invalifts.com/mc2000 and click ‘Watch the Product Video.’ Alternatively, you can give Invalifts a call on 0845 468 2543 and speak to one of their friendly experts.
