Barclays Bank Complex, Glasgow
Multi-method window cleaning across a three-building corporate campus on the River Clyde
Project Overview
The Barclays Glasgow Campus is a large, busy multi-building site with extensive glass elevations and a mixture of access restrictions at ground and roof level. The client required a specialist team capable of managing these constraints while delivering a consistent, high-quality finish across three separate blocks.
With offices, public walkways, and riverside footpaths surrounding the complex, maintaining safe work zones and controlling the interface with the public was critical throughout the programme.
Project Details
The Challenge
Each building presents different challenges, including limited MEWP positioning areas, recessed facades, and pedestrian routes that remain active throughout the day.
- Limited MEWP positioning
Restricted ground areas required careful equipment placement planning
- Recessed facades
Complex elevation geometry prevented standard access methods
- Active pedestrian routes
Public walkways and riverside footpaths required constant management
- Designated anchor points only
Rope access limited to certified anchor locations on each building
- Weather-dependent operations
All work at height planned around changing conditions
Our Approach
Through careful planning, close communication with the campus team, and controlled execution on site, we delivered the full external cleaning programme with minimal disruption.
Site Assessment
Before work began, our team carried out a detailed assessment of all three buildings. This included reviewing access routes, identifying suitable MEWP positioning areas, confirming certified rope access anchor points, and evaluating ground conditions along the riverside and public walkways.
Safety Controls
We established controlled exclusion zones around all work areas, coordinated with Barclays' site management, and timed parts of the programme to avoid peak pedestrian activity. Our IRATA-trained technicians and IPAF-certified MEWP operators followed strict procedures as outlined in the RAMS.
Coordinated Delivery
Daily updates were provided to ensure all stakeholders were aware of planned work areas, exclusion zones, and equipment movements. Public walkways and entrances were managed with clear signage and banksmen, allowing staff and visitors to move safely around the site.
Multi-Method Delivery
To achieve a consistent and high-quality finish across the entire campus, we used a combination of rope access, MEWP, and Reach & Wash methods tailored to each elevation.
IRATA Rope Access
Rope access technicians completed the high-level and recessed glazing where elevation geometry prevented MEWP use. All work from designated anchor points with full rescue procedures in place.
MEWP Operations
IPAF-certified operatives worked on accessible facades with stable ground conditions, ensuring efficient coverage of mid-level glass. Strict traffic and pedestrian management maintained throughout.
Reach & Wash
Lower floors and areas with limited access were completed using purified-water Reach & Wash systems, allowing us to clean safely without impacting pedestrian routes or requiring exclusion zones.
Project Gallery
Results Delivered
The full external cleaning programme was completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard across all three buildings. Despite the access challenges and the operational demands of a live financial headquarters, the works were delivered with zero incidents and without interruption to staff or visitors.
"This project highlights Struan Window Cleaning's ability to plan and execute complex work-at-height operations on multi-building corporate campuses. By combining specialist access methods with detailed planning and strong on-site coordination, we delivered a safe and high-quality service that met Barclays' expectations."
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