Designing, manufacturing and delivering a 3-stop, 1000kg system within strict heritage and structural constraints.
The Oldham Library and Art Gallery, a Grade II-listed landmark dating back to 1883, has long stood at the heart of the town’s cultural life. Once a free public library, the building later fell into disrepair and closed in 2017, leaving behind a structure rich in history but in urgent need of careful restoration and a new purpose.
Limited space, structural constraints, and preservation guidelines demanded a highly considered engineering approach.
Working alongside Premier Lift Group and the project architects, Doppler developed a duplex passenger lift system tailored to these conditions. Beyond performance, the challenge was integration.
As Ryan Plunkett, Design Director at Premier Lift Group, explains, “Our goal was to deliver a solution that feels like a natural extension of the building’s history. From the initial drawings to the final phased installation, we focused on creating a lift that works flawlessly during peak visitor periods, while adding a contemporary edge to the space. It was about enhancing accessibility without competing with the building’s charm. We are incredibly proud of this project.”
📍Elevator Model: FOCUS LH
⏹️No of Stops: 3
📊Capacity: 1000kg
⚙️Car Speed: 1.0m/s
⬆️Travel: 9670mm
A renewed civic landmark
Reopened in 2025 as the J.R. Clynes Building, the site now hosts public spaces, galleries, and community functions once again. The lift plays a quiet but critical role in this transformation—supporting accessibility and flow, while blending into a building that has successfully moved from decline to renewal, balancing heritage with contemporary engineering.
Moving Together with Doppler
“We have worked with Doppler for 10 years, collaborating on projects for some of the UK’s most super-prime residences and public spaces, so we had confidence in choosing them as the manufacturer for this project.
One of the unique benefits is they manage the entire manufacturing process in-house, from the structure and cabin to the controller and glass doors, which enables us to have one single point of contact for the duration of the project, and the ability to refine every detail with ease.”
Ryan Plunkett, Premier Lift Group
