A MAJOR Andover employer has reached the Building magazine's Small Project of the Year (up to £5m) Award shortlist.

This nomination recognises the lift systems Stannah supplied for the Elizabeth Tower's restoration project.

The winners will be revealed on November 5 at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel.

Renowned as a site of historical significance, Elizabeth Tower, also known as Big Ben, has been a memorable symbol of the Houses of Parliament since 1859.

READ MORE: Business proud to be part of major restoration project of Big Ben

The clock tower was renamed Elizabeth Tower in honour of Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee in 2012.

Its 96-metre height and spiral staircase with 334 steps made maintenance difficult, particularly when heavy parts or machineries had to be transported.

Stannah lifts, suggested by engineering and building services consultancy SVM Associates (SVMA), were put in to make the process simpler.

One lift travels up to the 11th floor, while a platform lift offers access to the Belfry.

These efficient and engineeringly-precise lifts not only ease the work of clock engineers but could also prove crucial in a medical emergency, all without affecting the historic fabric of the clock tower.

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The entire tower's 0.23-degree tilt to the northwest over the 96-metre height posed an extra difficulty when installing the new lift.

Stannah’s Major Projects Division participated in various phases of the Elizabeth Tower Lift Project including manufacturing design of the lift and platform, installation, commissioning, and lift warranty maintenance.

David Saunders, head of major projects division at Stannah Lifts, said: "We are incredibly proud and honoured to be shortlisted for the Small Project of the Year Award. Being shortlisted for this award is a testament to the entire project team’s hard work, creativity and dedication to providing lift solutions that not only meet the needs of our clients and the project but contributes to safe working.

"This was a challenging project because of the Grade I Listing, Central London location and the slight lean. The fact that it now provides step-free access for the maintenance team is an engineering marvel that the Victorians would have been proud of."