Sky Scaffolding Midlands Ltd was appointed by Prestec UK Ltd to provide designed access scaffolding for façade restoration works to the Macdonald Burlington Hotel on Stephenson Street, Birmingham.
The works formed the next phase of Hortons’ external refurbishment programme, following our earlier involvement on the Quadriga phase along the New Street elevation.
The Stephenson Street elevation fronts the Midland Metro tram line and overhead line equipment (OLE). The scaffold design therefore required detailed planning, electrical isolation coordination, and careful protective measures to maintain safe clearance from live OHL infrastructure throughout the works.
This project highlights Sky Scaffolding’s technical capability and strong commitment to safety.
Key Challenges
The project presented significant challenges due to its location immediately alongside the live Birmingham Metro tram line. The elevation faced directly onto the track, with catenary support wires running through the scaffold zone. This required detailed planning, coordination, and ongoing liaison with Midland Metro to maintain electrical clearances and ensure safe working conditions. Controlled isolations and permits to work were required for all activities within the OHL risk area.
Access to the elevation was extremely limited, with scaffold erection and dismantling restricted to night-time possessions when tram services were suspended.
Despite these constraints, the hotel remained fully operational throughout the works, requiring pedestrian routes, fire exits, and deliveries to be maintained at all times beneath the scaffold.
Engineering and Design Solution
The scaffold was fully designed and checked by temporary works engineers experienced in rail and overhead line environments. A tailored Layher system scaffold was adopted to suit the narrow working corridor and irregular façade geometry. The modular flexibility of the system allowed the scaffold to safely negotiate the live tram stop area while maintaining continuous access for Prestec’s restoration team.
Scaffold layout and tie positions were carefully coordinated to achieve the necessary clearances from the overhead line equipment, eliminating any risk of electrical contact or induced voltage.
Full-height pedestrian gantries were incorporated into the lower lifts to maintain safe public access and shield the footway from overhead works.
Monarflex sheeting was used to contain dust and debris without obstructing visibility for tram drivers or passengers. The works were delivered in phases aligned with scheduled OHL isolations, and all scaffold erection and modification was undertaken under the supervision of authorised line safety staff.
Health, Safety and Compliance
All operations were carried out in accordance with NASC TG20 and SG4 standards, supported by a comprehensive suite of task-specific Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS) addressing the electrical and operational hazards associated with working near live OHL infrastructure.
A formal Permit-to-Work Near Live OHL system was implemented through the Midland Metro Alliance to ensure safe access during each possession. The project was completed without incident, recording zero accidents, zero near-misses, and zero service interruptions to Metro operations — confirming the effectiveness of the planning, design, and control measures applied throughout.
Outcome and Results
The completed scaffold provided Prestec UK Ltd with a safe, stable, and efficient access solution for extensive stone, brick, and terracotta restoration across the full height and width of the Stephenson Street elevation. The system enabled Prestec’s operatives to carry out cleaning, repointing, and masonry repairs with confidence while maintaining clear separation from the live Birmingham Metro overhead line equipment.
The project stands as a strong demonstration of Sky Scaffolding’s technical capability to plan, design, and deliver complex temporary works in constrained city-centre environments. By combining detailed temporary works design, controlled isolation procedures, and strict safety governance, the scaffold was delivered and maintained throughout the contract period without disruption to tram services or hotel operations.
All works were completed safely, to programme, and in accordance with the client’s quality standards. The successful completion reinforced Sky Scaffolding’s reputation for delivering high-risk access solutions adjacent to live transport infrastructure.
