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The Express Lift Tower

The Express Lift tower is a proud structure that has become a well known local landmark. Built by the Express Lift Company in 1980, it was designed to test lifts and their components, and to train staff in their installation and maintenance. It was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1982.

A feat of architecture and engineering, it was designed by Maurice Walton and incorporates three separate shafts. It was capable of testing lifts at astonishing speeds of 7 metres per second. The only lift testing tower in Britain, it was granted Grade II listed building status in 1997. At 418.1 feet tall, it was the tallest and youngest listed building in the UK at the time. Broadcaster Terry Wogan dubbed the tower ‘The Northampton Lighthouse’ on his radio programme.

After the Express Lift Company was taken over by Otis in 1997, the tower was subsequently closed. Wilcox Homes purchased the land in 1999 for development and tried to demolish it. However, this faced strong opposition from local people. The towers future currently hangs in the balance, but demolition is unlikely as Wilcox Homes have built houses in close proximity to it.