Preserving historical landmarks requires precision, expertise, and innovative solutions. The recent restoration project at Devizes Town Hall is a testament to this, showcasing the capabilities of Layher UK’s cutting-edge scaffolding systems and the expertise of Blencowe Scaffolding.
By employing the Layher Keder XL temporary roof, supported by the Layher Allround System and protected with Layher’s innovative Protect panels, the project successfully safeguarded the Grade II-listed building while enabling seamless restoration work.
Restoring a Historic Landmark
Devizes Town Hall, an architectural gem located in the heart of Wiltshire, required urgent restoration to maintain its structural integrity and historical significance.
Given its protected status and central location in the market town, the restoration process had to ensure minimal disruption while providing complete weather protection.
Additionally, spatial constraints posed a significant challenge—there was no available ground area for traditional assembly methods, nor was there space to accommodate a crane for roof installation.
The Solution:
Blencowe Scaffolding, a leader in conservation scaffolding solutions, turned to Layher UK’s advanced Keder XL temporary roofing system to address these challenges.
The Keder XL system, known for its lightweight yet robust design, provided an ideal weatherproof covering that allowed restoration to proceed without delays caused by exposure to the elements.
To support the Keder XL roof, Blencowe utilised Layher’s world-renowned Layher Allround System, which is widely regarded for its versatility and strength. Layher’s innovative Protect panels were also integrated to enhance weather protection and site safety further.
Faced with severe space limitations, working in partnership with Layher UK, the Blencowe team engineered an innovative method to construct and install the roof:
- The roof was built in sections directly atop the scaffolding structure, 13 metres above the ground.
- A custom runner system was installed along the scaffolding, allowing each section to be assembled in place and smoothly rolled into position.
- This strategy eliminated the need for heavy lifting equipment, maximised efficiency, and significantly enhanced safety.
Brett Mills, Manager at Blencowe Scaffolding, praised the project’s success: “We are delighted to support the restoration of Devizes Town Hall with a high-quality temporary roof system. Working on a historic building of this significance requires precision and expertise, and we are proud to contribute to its preservation for future generations.”
The Role of Layher UK
Layher UK continues to lead the industry in modular scaffolding and temporary roof solutions, with the Keder XL system exemplifying the company’s commitment to innovation.
The Layher Allround System remains a staple in the industry for its versatility and structural reliability, while Layher Protect panels offer additional safety and weatherproofing advantages. Together, these systems demonstrate Layher’s ability to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to complex restoration projects.
Project Impact and Future Applications
The successful completion of this project highlights the advantages of utilising Layher’s technology for heritage restoration. The Devizes Town Hall restoration demonstrates that even under highly restrictive conditions, tailored engineering solutions and state-of-the-art materials can drive efficiency and safety.
Blencowe Scaffolding’s execution of this project reinforces its reputation for handling complex conservation scaffolding works with ingenuity. The project sets a benchmark for future heritage restorations, showcasing the adaptability of Layher’s systems in protecting the UK’s historical landmarks.
In Summary
By combining cutting-edge technology with expert problem-solving, Layher UK and Blencowe Scaffolding have ensured that Devizes Town Hall remains a cherished landmark for generations to come.
This also reaffirms Layher UK’s position as a frontrunner in the system scaffolding industry, delivering solutions that meet the evolving demands of both modern construction and heritage preservation.
