St John’s ABC Buildings

Client

Grade 2

Duration

6 Weeks

Location

Manchester

Sector

Construction

The brief

We were initially asked to paint some rendered sections of the historic St John’s ABC building in Manchester’s city centre. The project had been started by another company, but due to access constraints they’d been unable to complete the work to a satisfactory standard.

There were no such access problems using rope access, so much so that the anticipated one-week job was extended to six weeks as we were asked to carry out extra work.

The building

The ABC buildings were built in three stages between 1959 and 1965. Today, the three buildings house a modern workspace, leisure outlets such as coffee bars, a gym and the Everyman cinema, and The Metronome, a new work and social space for the music and tech industry.

This is a modern building that needs to look on-trend. Maintenance and continued development will keep the building at the forefront of emerging creative industries.

The work

Once we had completed the initial rendering, we were asked to snag most of the building to coincide with the main contractor completing the major works, and the imminent closure of the site.

The snagging included concrete repairs, render splash removal, render painting, render repairs, window sealants, expansion joint inspection, vent installation and a builder’s clean.

Rope access proved to be a cost-effective and practical solution for the client

Rope access was the best option for this work, as access time, space and money were all limiting factors. Due to the building’s city centre location, moving large plant on and off site would have been expensive and slow, requiring road closures and night work.

Benefits to the client

Using rope access to reach all areas lowered the client’s cost and avoided the inconvenience of accommodating large machinery and closing off sections of the pavements outside the building.

Our versatility meant that we could complete a range of jobs that would otherwise have required the deployment of separate contractors.

Benefits to people who use the building

The ABC buildings are an iconic part of Manchester’s city centre. As a contemporary work and social space, they should be fully maintained and look the part. By completing the work efficiently and to a very high standard, we contributed to providing a space to be enjoyed by those who use the facilities.

The building was completely safe to others while we carried out our work. Users of the building weren’t inconvenienced in any way, as there was no need for machinery that causes an obstruction. This is particularly important in a building that has people coming and going continually throughout the day.

"We were the second Rope Access company to attend this project, as the first had not been able to meet the client's needs. The original request was to attend the site for a week however, this was extended to 6 weeks as we picked up additional requests from the client. We carried out render repairs, painting, inspection, and cleaning works. As well as remedying the previous contractor's failed works."

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.