Harvey Nichols

The Scope

The Arndale Centre includes in its portfolio the recent development of high end shops on New Cathedral Street including Harvey Nichols, Hugo Boss and Polo. The works also included the elevations that are adjacent or close to No.1 Deansgate: a prestigious luxury residential development.

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Our Response

Vertical Access worked closely with the building facilities management team and Manchester City Council Highways & Public Realm to develop a programme that minimised disruption to residents, businesses, pedestrians and surrounding traffic.

A combination of MEWPs and industrial rope access was selected to provide safe and efficient access while maintaining a minimal footprint at ground level. Works were undertaken by experienced IPAF and IRATA-trained personnel, with access systems designed specifically to accommodate the use of high-temperature steam.

The building elevations were cleaned using the DOFF system, which applies high-temperature steam at low pressure to remove staining and restore surfaces as closely as possible to their original appearance. All operatives using the system completed specialist Stonehealth training prior to undertaking the works.

Trial cleaning areas were completed across the different substrates to establish the achievable finish and gain client approval before the wider programme commenced. Persistent areas of staining were subsequently treated using Complexion Paste where required.

Working patterns were carefully coordinated around shop opening hours, pedestrian movements and anticipated footfall, with the programme scheduled during the off-peak season to further reduce the impact on building users and the surrounding city-centre environment.

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Outcome & Feedback

The client and property owners expressed their appreciation of the results of the stone cleaning and the way in which the works were undertaken with the minimum of interference with their businesses.

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