Laing O鈥橰ourke and Kone have manufactured and installed the first offsite constructed lift at the Network Rail test track facility in Melton Mowbray.
The modular lift is designed for use with multiple footbridges. Containing a Kone Monospace 700 lift, the tower stands at 10.678 metres above ground level. The construction, including all off-site activity took 86 days, a potential saving of up to 32 weeks when compared traditional in-situ installation.
On delivery of the module to Melton Mowbray on Wednesday 4th June 2025, the lift went from the trailer bed of the delivery vehicle to being installed fully upright in just 26 minutes.
Its installation enables the solution to be demonstrated to the rail industry over the coming months for Network Rail鈥檚 Access for All programme..
With both the frame and lift equipment verified to rail sector design criteria this solution also allows for customisation with a choice of finishes, benefiting from the standardisation of base components.
Laing O鈥橰ourke operations leader Sam Ward said: 鈥淎t Laing O鈥橰ourke our purpose is to push the boundaries of what鈥檚 possible in service of humanity, which strongly aligns to the purpose of the Access for All programme, and we are proud to have been a part of this project using our innovative design for manufacture and assembly approach, our unique offsite construction knowledge to deliver a solution that will provide tangible benefits to commuters across the country.
Kone director Andrew Todd said: 鈥淜one MonoSpace-700 lifts are adaptable to meet varying market segment's needs, and full accessibility requirements, meeting the AFA programme requisites. The lifts are specifically designed to ensure maximum space efficiency, which in turn provides the perfect solution to be used in offsite construction where full installation can take place prior to delivery.鈥�
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