Scaffolding specialist Millcroft has erected the demolition scaffold that will enable property giant, Landsec, to redevelop 1 Sherwood Street; the building behind the iconic ‘Piccadilly Lights’ electric billboard in London’s Piccadilly Circus.
Electric ads have been displayed at the site since 1908 when the first Perrier ad was created using lightbulbs. Landsec has owned the world-renowned screen since 1968, acquiring the property behind it in 2012 to secure the redevelopment opportunity for the whole site.
Following a major renovation of the screen in 2017, the 780 sq m digital display is now supported on a standalone structure, allowing it to remain intact and operational while the building behind is demolished to make way for a new 142,000 sq ft development at 1 Sherwood Street.
Millcroft has been awarded the project to design, erect and manage the scaffold by demolition specialist Erith. The project involves a 20-week programme to erect the scaffold around the perimeter of the existing building and manage the structure for the month-long demolition programme, before striking it to enable the construction phase to begin.
The project involves managing the logistical challenges of the location, which has an extremely heavy footfall around the clock, seven days a week. The scaffold features several bridged areas to ensure safe pedestrian access at ground level and it will be wrapped with flexible sheeting.
Billy Jones from Millcroft comments: “The erection of this demolition scaffold marks the beginning of the next stage in a development programme that has been several years in the making, following the acquisition of the existing building and renovation of the electric billboard.
“Our experience of busy and high profile London sites means that we are well-equipped to manage the logistical challenges of the project and work with Erith to ensure that the demolition can be carried out swiftly and safely to enable a brand new building to take shape in this world-famous location.”
