In a place where comfort, safety and independence are central to daily life, upgrades to vertical transport as paramount and can have a profound impact – which is why John Paul Village embarked on a transformative elevator upgrade to its essential infrastructure.
John Paul Village, a long-established aged care and retirement community in operation since the late 1970s, recently undertook a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving safety, reliability, and comfort for its residents. With a combination of Residential Aged Care and Retirement Village accommodation, the site required a carefully managed approach to elevator modernisation, particularly given its continuously operational nature.
The need for an upgrade was clear: the existing lift systems had reached the end of their serviceable life. Lack of available replacement parts underscored the urgency of modernisation. In response, 11 outdated two-stop elevators were replaced with KONE’s advanced elevator replacement solutions, specifically designed for existing buildings. These systems offer a modern, energy-efficient, and future-ready answer to the challenges often faced by aged care facilities.
The project’s complexity was amplified by the fact that it had to be completed in a live environment. KONE worked closely with the onsite team from St. Vincent’s to ensure minimal disruption to residents and staff. Careful planning, practical problem-solving, and consistent communication were critical to the project’s success.
Craig Livingstone, St. Vincents National Property and Infrastructure Manager, comments, “A hallmark of KONE’s approach was their commitment to clear and timely communication, which was vital in maintaining smooth operations throughout the upgrade.”
Since the completion of the work, residents and staff have reported noticeable improvements. The new systems operate smoothly and quietly, significantly enhancing the overall experience for building occupants. Resident feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, not only in regard to the modernised elevators but also in recognition of the professionalism and respect shown by the site team during installation.
“This project exemplifies KONE’s commitment to delivering reliable, future-ready solutions in even the most sensitive environments. Our ability to work collaboratively and respectfully within aged care settings is something we take immense pride in,” comments Adam Daly, Modernisation Director for KONE, Australia and New Zealand (ANZ).
Beyond resolving immediate functional issues, the project fostered a collaborative and highly effective partnership between KONE, John Paul Village and St. Vincent’s, with the KONE team praised for their knowledge, responsiveness, and practical approach.
Rhyse Boyd, Delivery Operations Manager, KONE ANZ highlights, “I’m incredibly proud of the way our team rose to the challenge – listening closely to the needs of residents and staff, and working diligently to ensure every step of the process was as seamless as possible.”
The successful delivery of this project highlights KONE’s capability in managing complex modernisation within sensitive environments and underscores its commitment to improving urban life through thoughtful, innovative solutions.