Integrated scaffolding and construction hoists for the restoration of a Grade I-listed landmark
The restoration of Manchester Town Hall required an extensive hybrid access solution to provide safe access to the historic building while protecting its sensitive architectural features. Brand Access Solutions combined more than 200 scaffold structures with nine construction hoists, including a specially engineered hoist arrangement around the listed clock tower that avoided physical fixings penetrating the building.
Scope
Manchester Town Hall is a Grade I-listed Victorian Gothic landmark undergoing a major refurbishment and restoration programme. Brand Access Solutions, formerly Lyndon SGB, was appointed by main contractor Lendlease to provide external scaffolding and construction hoists for the £300 million Our Town Hall project.
The access package was designed to serve all elevations of the historic building, including 34 chimneys, the three principal towers and the internal courtyards. The scaffolding works comprised more than 200 individual structures, including perimeter scaffolds, birdcages, beam sections, staircases, chimney scaffolds and temporary roofing.
The project involved approximately 22,000 m² of access platforms, more than 10,000 m² of temporary weather protection and combined scaffold staircases totalling 450 metres in height. The scaffolding structures had a combined weight of approximately 3,700 tonnes.
Brand Access Solutions also supplied nine of the ten construction hoists required for the project, integrating mechanical access with the extensive scaffolding system.
Challenge
Providing access to the historic building presented significant structural and architectural challenges. The complex geometry of Manchester Town Hall, together with its statues, gargoyles, ornate stonework and sensitive façades, required temporary access structures that could accommodate the building's architectural features without damaging the historic fabric.
The main clock tower was particularly demanding. The scaffold was designed to reach a height of 87 metres, incorporating 40 working levels. Fifteen of these levels were supported by a complex beam arrangement spanning across the roof of the main building. Heavy-duty towers at the four corners supported the structure, each designed to carry approximately 300 kN.
Additional challenges arose from the 20-metre-high octagonal spire, which required a scaffold configuration following its tapered profile to minimise wind loading.
The construction hoists presented a further engineering challenge. Because of the building's Grade I-listed status, external hoists could not be attached using fixings that penetrated the historic structure. A different method of supporting and securing the hoists was therefore required.
Performance
Providing access to the historic building presented significant structural and architectural challenges. The complex geometry of Manchester Town Hall, together with its statues, gargoyles, ornate stonework and sensitive façades, required temporary access structures that could accommodate the building's architectural features without damaging the historic fabric.
The main clock tower was particularly demanding. The scaffold was designed to reach a height of 87 metres, incorporating 40 working levels. Fifteen of these levels were supported by a complex beam arrangement spanning across the roof of the main building. Heavy-duty towers at the four corners supported the structure, each designed to carry approximately 300 kN.
Additional challenges arose from the 20-metre-high octagonal spire, which required a scaffold configuration following its tapered profile to minimise wind loading.
The construction hoists presented a further engineering challenge. Because of the building's Grade I-listed status, external hoists could not be attached using fixings that penetrated the historic structure. A different method of supporting and securing the hoists was therefore required.
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Important Note.
Lyndon SGB rebranded to Brand Access Solutions on February 4, 2025.
Projects were delivered at the time under the trading names of: Lyndon SGB, SGB, Lyndon Scaffolding or Taylor’s Hoists.