West London’s Empress State Building, home of the Metropolitan Police and Transport for London, stands at 117.3 metres with 32 floors and 12 passenger lifts. Originally constructed in the early 60s, the building gained iconic landmark status and underwent a major refurbishment programme in 2003.

However, recently the various ride quality issues arose around the 12 passenger and three firefighting gearless traction lifts. As a result, Liftec was awarded a 3-phase modernisation contract by the Empress State’s building management team.

The project related to the two 6-lift groups serve different floors in the building, with one group serving the low-rise floors (G, 1-14) and the other for high-rise (G, 14-27). Empress State’s firefighting lifts serve all floors. Liftec engineers used specialist thermal lance cutting equipment to replace the existing machinery with new Thames Valley Controls lift controllers, Wittur slings and new lift cars, Wittur gearless machines and Wittur Pegasus doors. Liftec also enhanced the lifts’ operation by adding hall call destination and increasing the car speeds.

Despite Covid-19 related delays, the major modernisation work was completed within budget and all the lifts are now in full service, following mandatory lift safety testing requirements.