Liverpool Anglican Cathedral

Client

Liverpool Cathedral

Duration

2 weeks

Location

Liverpool

Sector

Heritage

The brief

In August 2020, following a drone photogrammetry inspection of Liverpool Cathedral’s tower, external structures and statues, Orb Rope Access were asked to complete a follow-up physical inspection. We were tasked with identifying all underlying faults not picked up by the photogrammetry inspection, that might cause debris to fall and cause damage.

The building

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is a Grade l listed building. It is Britain’s biggest Cathedral, and the fifth largest cathedral in the world. After the first foundation stone was laid in 1904, it took 74 years to build.

At a height of 101m, Liverpool Anglican Cathedral is also one of the world’s tallest non-spired church buildings and the third-tallest structure in the city of Liverpool.

It’s the kind of building that a rope access company feels honoured to work on! It is also a building that requires considerable TLC and time-served experience in inspecting heritage buildings.

The work

Whilst the photogrammetry inspection was detailed, and able to record, measure and interpret photographic images, it couldn’t assess the intricacies of the damage and the danger it posed.

By using rope access, we were able to access nooks and crannies, identifying areas of concern. Throughout the inspection, whenever an unsafe structure was identified the team rectified it immediately to remove any danger hazards. A full photographic report was given to the client of all findings.

There were two peregrine falcons on site during the inspection, so we consulted an ecologist to ensure we understood and followed the rules and regulations for working in the vicinity of protected birds.

Benefits to the client

Working on the cathedral highlighted the benefits of rope access for such difficult to reach buildings. Had the inspection been completed using scaffolding, the aesthetics of the building would have been compromised for several days, the scaffolding could have potentially damaged the building, the

inspection would have taken much longer with having to erect the scaffolding, and the cost would have been greater.

In contrast, we rigged our ropes daily, and visitors to the cathedral were unaffected by the work being carried out. Most will not have even known we were there!

"The cathedral is an amazing building to work on, the prestigious nature makes it a privilege to be a part of. We get to see parts of the building that no one else has access to and it's always interesting being alongside the resident Perrigin Falcons when you're swinging around repointing or doing stained glass window repairs!"

Matthew Lavery

Director, ORB Rope Access

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.