Lift improvement works set to start at town building

Work to install a new and improved lift is set to begin at The Symington Building in Market Harborough.

The multi-functional building, in Adam and Eve Street, is set to acquire a new lift, which will replace the ageing central lift in the Grade II listed Victorian building.

The new lift will be bigger, and more energy efficient than the existing lift and be able to accommodate more people.  It will also improve accessibility for wheelchair users and people who use Class 2 mobility scooters.  The larger Class 3 mobility scooters, designed for road use, will not be able access the upper floors.

The lift installation will begin on Monday 4 July 2016 and is expected to be completed by mid-September 2016.

The Fox Yard car park, at the rear of The Symington Building, will be closed to the public for one day on Monday 4 July 2016 to allow for a storage container, being used by the contractor, to be moved into the car park. The car park will re-open once this is in place.  

Whilst the main lift is out of action, during the installation works, the glass lift near the concierge desk will be available for wheelchair users and parents with buggies wishing to access the first floor library or museum.  There is also a lift accessed through the Mill Hill Car Park, which is currently used by staff and contractors only, which will also be made available to help customers access the upper floors.  Additional staff will be available from the main reception to escort customers to this lift.

The Symington Building, owned by Harborough District Council, currently accommodates Harborough Museum, Harborough Library, Registry Office, Harborough District Council, Leicestershire County Council services including adult learning, Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Jobcentre Plus, Royal British Legion, as well as private businesses.

Cllr Phil King, deputy leader of Harborough District Council, said: “The Symington Building is a much-used multi-functional building and I am delighted we are able to improve its facilities for the benefit of all visitors. We have consulted building user groups as part of the lift project and I am sure people will welcome improved accessibility within this important building.”

Notes to editors

For visitors requiring the use of a lift to access the upper floors, a meet and greet officer will be on hand to escort visitors from the front of the building to the staff lift at Mill Hill car park entrance. Visitors will be escorted through the building to ensure that they reach the relevant destination.

There are also meeting rooms on the ground floor for those with mobility issues.

The storage container will take up two disabled bays in the Fox Yard car park. There is other disabled parking available in the adjacent Symington Road car park, and other car parks in town.