An ambitious redevelopment of one of London's premier music studios is benefitting from a fixed access ramp provided by loading and unloading specialists Thorworld Industries.
Mill Hill Music Complex, founded by the Tichborne Family Trust in 1979, has a rich heritage in the capital and has been used by stars such as Amy Winehouse and Madness. With up to 1,000 musicians a week using its 10 studios, Tichborne has invested in a major revamp of the complex, adding a music shop and new rehearsal spaces for ballet and theatrical groups.
In order to maximise the long-term flexibility of the building, the Tichborne Family Trust asked civil engineer Fred Eisenhart-Rothe to reinforce the first floor with dense concrete. "The first floor includes a large theatrical rehearsal space where directors may wish to bring props, plus there are storage areas that would require greater floor support."
Anticipating the delivery of heavy loads to the complex in the future, Tichborne identified the need for an access ramp to the first floor. Fred Eisenhart-Rothe investigated options online, and located Thorworld Industries via the company's website. "Thorworld was extremely helpful and provided strong literature that mapped out the options available," he explains.
The site presented a number of challenges in terms of installing a ramp. Space was an issue, with Tichborne keen to minimise the loss of parking. At the same time, because the complex is immediately adjacent to the M1, the location of the ramp had to face the site entrance for the smooth arrival of lorries. Furthermore, the ground slopes away from the building, meaning that the ramp had to be fixed to an uneven surface and pedestrian access was required under the ramp from a crucial fire exit point.
Thorworld proposed the use of a bespoke fixed access yardramp, with legs cut to different sizes and embedded in concrete for stability. The yardramp enables Tichborne Family Trust to transfer deliveries directly into the building in a safe and effective manner.
The installation was completed with the use of a Hiab crane, overseen by Thorworld engineers to ensure optimum user conditions.
"We struck up an excellent working relationship with Thorworld, and I would use them again if I have a similar need for access ramps in the future," confirms Fred Eisenhart-Rothe.
The ramp is now an integral part of Mill Hill Music Complex, assisting the building's claim to be one of London's most flexible, multi-use studio facilities.
"Thorworld has given us a seamless, efficient means of supplying heavy items directly to the first floor, supporting our many customers both now and in the future," comments Roger Tichborne, manager of Mill Hill Music Complex.
Contact:
THORWORLD Industries Ltd.
Station Lane Ind. Est.
Old Whittington
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S41 9QX
UK
Phone:
+44 (0) 1246 260981
Fax:
+44 (0) 1246 260493