Case Study: Light-illuminated Stannah passenger lift inspires visitors at Winchester Cathedral

Winchester Cathedral, a revered place of worship for over nine centuries, has embraced modern accessibility standards with the installation of a light-filled passenger lift from Stannah. This addition now harmoniously blends with the cathedral's fine craftsmanship, enhancing the visitor experience within this extraordinary Grade I Listed building.

Being one of the first passenger lifts installed in a medieval cathedral in the UK, this initiative sets a precedent for other heritage buildings to offer step-free access for all visitors.

The installation of this lift required meticulous attention to detail, considering the Grade I listed status and historical significance of the cathedral. It had to seamlessly integrate as a 21st-century addition while respecting the architectural integrity of the building.

Spanning from 1079, Winchester Cathedral stands as one of Europe's largest medieval gothic structures, steeped in over nine centuries of history. Serving as a religious site for more than 15 centuries, it is the final resting place for notable figures including Saxon royalty, William Rufus, and the renowned novelist Jane Austen.

Thanks to an £11.5 million investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund scheme, the South Transept of Winchester Cathedral has been transformed into a fully accessible exhibition space across three levels.

The extensive renovation project between 2014 and 2019 included the conservation of existing building materials, the creation of a new exhibition space by removing modern elements in the South Transept, and the reconfiguration of an existing staircase to accommodate the lift shaft. The installation of the Stannah passenger lift, notable for being the first in the UK to traverse through a vaulted stone ceiling, was a pivotal part of this endeavour.

Crafted with bespoke glass cladding, the lift shaft and car blend seamlessly with the cathedral's architectural aesthetics. The use of transparent materials not only maintains the cathedral's natural light but also offers passengers inspiring views as they ascend and descend through the historic structure.

This remarkable project earned prestigious accolades, including four Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) awards in 2021 and the UK Heritage Award, showcasing its exemplary design and execution.

Nick Cox, from Nick Cox Architects, remarked, "Projects in historic settings stand apart due to the high level of sensitivity required to respect the existing built fabric and ambience of the space. At Winchester Cathedral, we had to deliver a technically complex piece of construction that respected the medieval architecture whilst clearly being a 21st-century design."

Stannah Major Projects Division, renowned for its expertise in technically complex projects, played a pivotal role in achieving the design vision. Their bespoke service ensured both accessibility and aesthetic transparency, seamlessly blending tradition with modernity.

Architects and developers working on heritage buildings can rely on Stannah's specialist team for guidance on passenger lifts tailored to unique project requirements.

For more information on Case Study: Light-illuminated Stannah passenger lift inspires visitors at Winchester Cathedral talk to Stannah Lifts