Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum, Widnes

Client

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum

Duration

1 Week

Location

Widnes

Sector

Arts & Entertainment

Orb Rope Access were appointed to clean the windows and glass elements of the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum building, using rope access.

The brief

We were asked to clean all the windows in the heritage building above standing height, as well as the glass lift and glass panelling around the observatory.

The building

The Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum in Widnes, Halton is housed in Tower Building, constructed around 1860 by John Hutchinson. The four-storey heritage building was originally used as an administration centre. It later became the head office of the Gossage soap company.

In 1989 the building was extended to include a glass lift and an enclosed, glazed rooftop observation deck. In the 1990s, a new gallery with interactive exhibits, and an education and visitor centre were added to the building.

As a heritage site, the building of the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum has great significance for the local area as it holds historical photographic collections and archives relating to the social activity and local history of Merseyside and areas of Lancashire and Cheshire.

The work

Any work carried out on a heritage building must be done with expertise, sensitivity and care.

When cleaning the windows, the glass lift and the observatory glass panelling, we used our extensive experience of working on heritage buildings to carry out the work, taking great care to avoid damaging any delicate elements.

Because the building is used by the public, we were asked to work early mornings and on days the museum was shut so that we didn’t cause any disruption to visitors that would spoil their experience.

The work took 5 days to complete.

Benefits to the client

Using rope access for the cleaning was far more cost-effective than deploying MEWPs (mobile elevated work platforms). The MEWPs would have also been disruptive to visitors and the general public.

The client had the peace of mind that Orb Rope Access is a member of the Heritage Trust Network, and therefore recognised for expertise in working on heritage buildings.

What our clients say about us

Absolutely delighted with the outcome of the works, can't praise ORB highly enough for the all elements of the project, will certainly be using them again on any future projects.

The gutters on our building had not been cleaned for some years. In places they were choked with vegetation and this was causing water ingress into the building whenever we had heavy rain. Access, because of height was an issue. Orb Rope did a fantastic job and resolved the water ingress problem which had become a big concern. The technicians came when they said they would, carried out the work they said they would and left the area clean and tidy. The work was done promptly. We found the technicians knowledgeable and helpful. We would have no hesitation in recommending your company.

“Orb Rope Access have run several projects at Scarisbrick Hall. We have found them to be efficient, reliable and have completed their works on time and on budget. We would have no hesitation in recommending them. Well done Matt and team, keep up the good work.”

" I have worked with Matt and Orb since 2010, on many various tasks within the stadium and training ground, this includes floodlight painting and lamp changes, high level window cleaning, maintenance and repairs to various roofs to include tin, plastic and fiberglass roofs. The fitting of new high level signage and banners, and many other jobs. They helped to develop our rescue plan for our own engineers when working on the floodlights. They are always available when we have had storm damage, working well into the night to complete repairs. I would not hesitate to recommend them to any other company for any type of rope work/high level maintenance, and have done on several occasions. "

"Orb Rope Access have completed numerous projects at St Johns for the past 5 years; Including the reseal of the famous St Johns Beacon! I find them professional, reliable, and very financially competitive. They are a highly recommended contractor of mine and a joy to work with."

"Orb Rope Access were introduced to us as we required a high-level structural inspection solution. Given the nature of the project we needed a service partner who could provide excellent levels of safety coupled with knowledge and capability in delivering the standards we required. Orb didn’t fail to impress, there attention to detail and professionalism throughout the process was second to none."

"I have had the pleasure of working with Orb rope access on a few roofing projects now, and have to say that despite the difficult nature of the work that they do in terms of access they also have an ability to transfer that expertise and attention to detail to the work carried out on site. Top work from a top company!"

"Inleaf specialise in the design, installation and maintenance of living walls throughout the UK. Living walls, by their nature, often require specialist access for installation and maintenance and so we commonly work with Orb Rope Access to provide specialist advice and assistance with projects that require abseiling access. Orb Rope Access have always been friendly, straightforward and professional to deal with. We've found them to be 100% reliable and excellent at working closely with our team when on site, either following specific instructions or using their own initiative when required."

This is the second time we have used Orb for high-level work. We are very satisfied with the job done. The team arrived on site at exactly on time, kept me informed of progress and provided photographs of the completed work for my records. I would have no hesitation in using the company for future work.

Here at Liverpool Cathedral , as you can guess there is a challenge to gain access to problems at height. We have used the services of ORB for several years now and they provide us with a professional and safe service which is beyond our means.

Before ORB came to us for roof work it was very difficult to find anyone who would go on the roof. Scaffolding is very expensive. The men who come to carry out the work are polite and a pleasure to deal with and St Oswald's are so grateful for their expertise.

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Get In Touch

At Orb Rope Access we are very proud to be an IRATA Member Company and hold Safe Contractor status. If you are looking for a trusted partner to assist with projects that require working at height or confined space, please get in touch for a no-obligation quote or by calling 0781 333 9064.