Friends in high places

Sheltered residents in Oakridge Towers now have improved independence following major improvements to the buildings lift system.

The 1960s tower block in Oakridge, Basingstoke, originally had two lifts each serving alternate floors, making life tricky for residents if one of the lifts was out of action.

After consulting residents, landlord Sentinel Housing Association commissioned Apollo Lifts in July 2007 to cut new openings in all the floors so both lifts would stop on every floor. The £350,000 project completed in July 2008.

Sentinel’s Building Services Engineer, Jon Hannan said: “Apollo Lifts did a really great job in difficult circumstances. They worked as quickly as they could to get the work completed as soon as possible, so as not to inconvenience the residents too much.”

To ease the inevitable disruption while the work was underway, Sentinel staff arranged day trips, lunched and entertainment for residents, and offered extra support and respite facilities.

Oakridge Towers resident Helen Parry said: “Having the new lifts is absolute bliss, I love living here and now both lifts go to every floor it’s so much easier. The staff here have been very helpful and supportive and we’ve all had a chance to enjoy the trips and other things laid on for us while the work was being done.”

Peter McDaniel, Project Manager for Apollo said: “All of the Sentinel team have been extremely helpful in completing the works but we would like to send a special thank you to Jon Hannan for all of his assistance during the project.

“We are delighted with the outcome of this modernisation and the lifts will provide many years of trouble-free service serving all floors in the building. The project had been difficult at times but with the Apollo site team led by Shane O’Callaghan and lead engineer Peter Selby it has been completed within programme and budget.”