Royal Artillery Quays - Less Scaffolding, Less Disruption?

For many people living through building remediation works, the scaffolding becomes almost as much a part of daily life as the building itself.

It blocks light. It changes views. It creates noise. It affects privacy. In some cases it can remain in place for years while residents wait for work to progress around them.

This week's Cladding Matters takes a closer look at a question that perhaps does not receive enough attention. Is there a better way?

Joining us will be Rob Munns from BFT Mastclimbing, who will help us explore the differences between traditional scaffolding and mastclimbing systems, and whether alternative approaches could potentially reduce both costs and disruption during major remediation projects.

The conversation naturally brings us back to Royal Artillery Quays, where residents have experienced years of uncertainty, delays and ongoing disruption while questions surrounding remediation continue to play out.

When most people think about scaffolding, they simply see it as a necessary part of construction work. Yet the choice of access system can have a significant impact on how quickly work can begin, how efficiently it can be carried out, and how much disruption residents experience while that work is taking place.

It will be interesting to hear from Rob about the practical differences between the two approaches.

Mastclimbing systems are often described as quicker to install, quicker to dismantle and capable of providing direct access to working areas without the extensive framework normally associated with traditional scaffolding.

Supporters also point to other potential benefits. Reduced visual impact, less obstruction of natural light and improved flexibility for contractors are all frequently cited as advantages.

For residents living inside affected buildings, these factors may matter just as much as the technical aspects of the work itself.

Anyone who has spent months or years looking through scaffold poles and protective sheeting understands that remediation is not simply an engineering exercise. It affects how people live, how they feel about their homes and, in many cases, their overall wellbeing.

At Royal Artillery Quays, residents have repeatedly highlighted the human impact of living through prolonged uncertainty. Questions surrounding building safety often dominate the headlines, although the day-to-day experience of those living inside affected buildings can sometimes receive far less attention.

This week's discussion is not about suggesting that one solution automatically fits every building or every project.

Instead, it is about examining whether alternative methods deserve greater consideration, particularly when the costs, timescales and impact on residents are taken into account.

If a different approach can potentially reduce disruption, shorten programme times and improve the experience of residents, it seems entirely reasonable to ask why such options are not used more widely.

As always, Cladding Matters aims to bring together practical expertise, lived experience and open discussion around some of the most important issues facing residents and the wider building safety sector.

Joining Gareth Wax and myself will be Stephen Day from Royal Artillery Quays, alongside Rob Munns from BFT Mastclimbing, for what promises to be a fascinating conversation about remediation, resident experience and whether there may be lessons for future projects across the country.

You can watch Cladding Matters live next Friday at 1pm or catch up afterwards via our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@SpillingTheProper-Tea

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