Scaffolding
The Project
Tower Hamlets Council was undertaking a series of projects to revitalise the Whitechapel Road area through the Whitechapel Road Improvement Programme (WRIP), aiming to enhance public spaces, upgrade market stalls and local infrastructure.
As part of this regeneration scheme, Transport for London (TfL) carried out a major maintenance and upgrade programme involving more than 30 retail and residential properties along Whitechapel Road and surrounding streets.
HA Marks was appointed as main contractor to deliver the works, with Millcroft providing enabling works and comprehensive scaffolding support for the façades, windows and roofs.
The project's location presented several challenges for our teams to overcome, including the front elevations of the properties facing the bustling Whitechapel Street Market, the rear of the buildings adjacent to live London Underground lines, the absence of on-site storage, and restricted parking. Careful logistical planning and project management were required to maintain public access, minimise disruption, and ensure safe working conditions at all times.
The Millcroft Solution
Millcroft provided full scaffolding to the front elevations and installed a 150m x 80m high monoflex screen system, constructed from a frame of tubes and fittings to the rear of the properties. This system provided safe access for roof and repointing works while protecting the railway below.
Meticulous logistical planning and project management enabled our teams to deliver materials and erect scaffolding during the various project phases, overcoming parking limitations and a lack of storage space. This involved phased deliveries and night-time operations to accommodate market activity and parking restrictions.
Throughout the three-plus-year project, we had two dedicated teams working on-site, one during the day and one at night, to ensure continuous progress and minimal disruption for businesses, residents, and commuters.
Additional works, including scaffolding to the front of Whitechapel Station, a crash deck installation for Costa Coffee within the station, and access solutions for neighbouring non-TfL buildings in need of restoration.