More news from the council. Ed
The Isle of Wight Council has completed the first phase of works on the Shanklin Cliff Lift and the good news is that one of the two lifts will be open for use from 9am on Thursday 14 July 2016, in time for the busy summer period.
The first phase of works saw all of the ageing machinery entirely replaced, upgrading of the electrical switchgear and the replacement of one lift car. This has meant that that the first lift is now be in service and ready to use. The second phase of work will focus on the replacement and commissioning of the second lift car.
The temporary bridge installed last year will remain in place for the summer season and it is planned to replace this with a permanent structure before the 2017 season.
A difficult scheme with numerous challenges
Councillor Shirley Smart, Executive member responsible for Tourism, said:
“I am delighted that one of the lifts will be open in time for the summer holidays. The Shanklin Cliff Lift is an iconic landmark on the Isle of Wight and our visitors, residents and local businesses will be pleased to see it back in time for the main summer holidays.
“It has been a difficult scheme with numerous challenges, as many of the required parts to repair the 1950s structure just aren’t made anymore or are extremely difficult to source the contractor has had to replace all of the major plant with new. My thanks go to the officers involved and the contractor in their hard work in ensuring that this well-loved landmark can be used from this week onwards.”
David Thornton, chief executive officer of Visit Isle of Wight, said:
“Access that links the town to the beach is highly important to holiday makers and those looking to enjoy the local restaurants and attractions. We are relieved that progress is being made, and delighted that a lift is operational in time for the summer school holidays.”
Complete overhaul
The work has been carried out by Temple Lifts following a tendering process. The initial scope had been to refurbish the motor room and the original 1957 machinery. Following investigations, the scheme has had to incorporate a complete overhaul of the lift cars, pulleys, winches and the motor machinery.
Should there be no delays to the full project, it is anticipated that the replacement of the second lift car will be complete in the next few weeks whilst the replacement link bridge will be in place before Easter 2017.
Shanklin Cliff Lift Facts
- The first cliff lift dates from around 1892.
- This original lift deteriorated over time and was further damaged during the second world.
- The first cliff lift was eventually demolished in 1957.
- Construction of the “new” lifts took place in 1957 and opened to the public in 1958.
- Each lift travels 33.8m.
- Each car will now be able to transport a slightly increased load of 1500kg/ 20 people.
- Journey time is 33 seconds.
