Millcroft is currently in the middle of an extensive 3-year project involving enabling works and the provision of scaffolding for a maintenance and upgrade programme of retail and residential properties owned by TfL (Transport for London) in Whitechapel.
Whitechapel is undergoing a significant improvement programme for the public spaces in the area, the market stalls and local infrastructure. This includes the project to refurbish some 30 properties along Whitechapel Road and surrounding streets, which construction service company HA Marks is undertaking in conjunction with Millcroft.
The refurbishment programme is due to be completed in 2024 and involves the erection of full scaffolding to provide safe access for works to the façades, windows and roofs. This is not without challenges as the properties face the bustling street market, open six days a week, while their rear elevations are beside the live London Underground lines. In addition, the lack of on-site storage facilities and restricted parking in the area has meant that careful project management is needed for the delivery of materials and the erection of our scaffolding. This has required meticulous logistical planning during the three structured phases to consider the parking limitations, particularly at night, and the geographical spread of properties, up to 80m, along Whitechapel and Valance Roads and Bourne Street.
We have erected scaffolding at the front of the properties to support shop improvement works, while a 150m wide x 8m high monoflex screen to the rear of the buildings protects workers and the railway lines. This screen, constructed from a frame of tube and fittings, enables repointing and new roof works to be carried out during daytime hours. In contrast, work at the front of the properties is being carried out at night so as not to disrupt the busy daytime markets.
Due to the sensitive and complex nature of the project, we have a dedicated team on-site at all times to support the refurbishment works. Currently, as workers are repairing the rear of the properties, our team is in attendance during the day.
Billy Jones, Managing Director at Millcroft, said, “We are delighted to work in collaboration with HA Marks on this project and to further strengthen our relationship with TfL who we have worked with for more than 40 years. Millcroft is a TfL approved scaffolding company, and our strong track record in the rail sector has enabled us to address specific site specification requirements for this project.”
