FP McCann Supplies And Installs Combined Lift Shaft And Stair Core On Liverpool Heritage Development

FP McCann has completed the installation of a 9-level combination precast concrete structural stair core and lift shaft as part of a major residential development in the heart of Liverpool’s historic waterfront . The Heap’s Mill development is a landmark regeneration project centred on the restoration of an 18th century Grade II listed mill, blending  Liverpool’s rich industrial heritage with contemporary urban living.

The development consisting of four individual residential blocks is due in for final completion in 2028. Once complete, “The Mill” building will serve as the iconic centrepiece featuring a luxury spa, rooftop terraces, a bar and café together with a gym and museum. The single structural precast concrete lift shaft and stair core is part of the first phase of The Mill building’s full restoration and has been erected within the confines of the original building walls by the FP McCann installation team on behalf of Legacie, the Liverpool based property developer, contractor and operator of the 527  apartment Heap’s Mill mixed-use residential scheme and exclusive sales partner RW Invest.

Precast panel sections for the stair core and box sections for the lift shaft have been manufactured and supplied from FP McCann’s Byley factory in Cheshire. Components and features in the precast concrete panel and box section structures include dividing walls, door openings, roof slabs and cast in fixing channels. The lift shaft and stair core are also interconnected with multi-level landing slabs and the stair core comprises 22 stair flights and integral landings.

Additionally, the precast concrete structure has a box section smoke riser, critical in high-rise buildings designed to prevent the lift shaft from acting itself as a chimney spreading smoke and heat to multiple floors. Legacie along with Liverpool design architects Falconer Chester Hall engaged and involved FP McCann at the early stages of design. FP McCann were able to demonstrate fast-track construction of the structural off-site manufactured precast concrete elements thereby allowing follow-on trades easier and safer access.

Within the design criteria, the structural stair core and lift shaft have a type B finish and a 120-minute fire rating to comply with MSCP standards. In total, 731 tonnes of precast concrete panel and box sections have been supplied and installed by FP McCann. Commenting on FP McCann’s role in the project,

Nora El Gendy, Assistant Construction Manager for Legacie says, “The combined precast concrete box section lift shaft and panel stair core was nstalled extremely efficiently and in a timely manner by the FP McCann fixing team, demonstrating the major benefits in utilising off-site precast concrete structural systems. Additionally, the finish achieved by such quality controlled off-site manufactured products minimises the work required from follow-on trades.”

FP McCann manufacture and install both precast box and panel section lift, and stair cores and precast single, double and triple box section lift shafts and precast concrete stair core systems. Modular and panel units can be tailored to suit many building projects. www.fpmccann.couk