Blencowe provides Cathedral solution

With scaffolding in place for up to four years and visible to thousands of visitors, the selection of equipment for works at Winchester Cathedral in the UK had to meet stringent objectives.

Blencowe Scaffolding used Layher equipment to fulfil these needs. “This factor [scaffolding], together with the speed of erection, were two of the important elements,” commented David Blencowe, company director.

“Scaffold erection in three key areas of the cathedral were addressed including a temporary birdcage scaffold constructed in the presbytery to enable beams to be erected off the high level clerestory walkways. The installation also features a suspended dust proof deck, installed beneath the beam level with birdcage access scaffold erected above to provide working access for ceiling and window conservation works.

Mr Blencowe added, “We also installed external scaffold to provide access for stonework restoration with an additional birdcage erected in the south transept for access to walls and windows for refurbishment and cleaning procedures.”

In the latter case, the project also made full use of the Layher Protect system providing a screen against dust and debris.

Following the successful installations, Blencowe Scaffolding is now working on the next phase of access provision at the cathedral, building on the company’s 25-year history at the cathedral.