SIMIAN Supports Work on the Spectacular Queen’s Tower

27th June 2023

The team at SIMIAN recently had the pleasure of providing scaffold inspection services to our retained client, JDC Scaffolding Ltd who were engaged on project to erect a large free-standing scaffold around the Queen’s Tower at Imperial College London.

JDC was contracted to supply access and a temporary roof to the 287ft tower for works to the exterior of the Tower’s stonework and repairs to its copper roof covering. As you can see from the images, this involved scaffolding at significant scale and complexity, including an inner access scaffold, outset scaffold exoskeleton and a bespoke, circular temporary roof covering.

Speaking of their work on the project, Phil Welham, Business Development Director at JDC Scaffolding has said:

“The tower represents a significant part of Imperial College’s history, and we are honoured to be a part of this prestigious project. Our design process began in late 2020, with ongoing collaboration with Imperial College and RDG Engineering to provide a safe and innovative scaffolding system for the restoration works.”

Jake Brady, Scaffolding Health & Safety Advisor at SIMIAN has said of SIMIAN’s inspection services on this project:

“Being entrusted with inspecting the scaffold at the iconic Queen’s Tower in London has been a fantastic experience. SIMIAN’s presence at the structure is driven by JDC Scaffolding’s temporary works commitments and to ensure the safety and integrity of the scaffold. As a result, we frequently attend site to assess the scaffold’s compliance with industry standards, regulations, and the bespoke design requirements.

During my visits, I was reminded of the significance and impact that well-designed scaffolding can have on a high-profile project. A crucial element in the design of scaffold structures is the arrangement of stability measures and ensuring accurate installation is carried out by the operatives on site. Due to the delicate nature of the project, a bespoke exoskeleton buttress was designed to maintain stability of the scaffold without the need to penetrate the facade of the building.

I have been truly impressed by the craftsmanship and attention to detail exhibited by JDC Scaffolding’s operatives. Their meticulous planning and execution has shone through in every aspect of the scaffold’s construction and the team’s ability to seamlessly integrate functionality and aesthetics into the project has raised the bar (or tube if you’re a Scaffolder!).

It has been an honour to play a role in ensuring the safety and quality of this remarkable scaffold, and to witness the synergy between rigorous design and accurate construction. It is a testament to JDC Scaffolding’s dedication to excellence and their capability of elevating a project to new heights, leaving a lasting impression on the skyline of the capital.”