Bridgewater Place, Leeds
High-rise rope access window cleaning on one of Leeds' tallest and most technically challenging buildings
Project Overview
Bridgewater Place — one of Leeds' tallest and most complex high-rise buildings — presents unique challenges due to its height, wind exposure, and facade design. With large glazed elevations and multiple recessed sections, the building demands a highly technical approach to access and safety management.
With the building's BMU out of commission, the client required a specialist window cleaning partner capable of delivering safe rope access on a building known for strong downdrafts, while planning works around live commercial operations.
Project Details
The Challenge
The client required a specialist window cleaning partner capable of managing the unique demands of this landmark building while ensuring zero disruption to tenants and the public.
- Strong downdrafts
Building known for significant wind exposure requiring careful weather planning
- BMU out of commission
Building maintenance unit unavailable, requiring alternative access solutions
- Complex facade geometry
Setbacks, recessed sections, and curved glazing requiring specialist rigging
- Live commercial operations
Works planned around business, retail, and residential tenants
- Public interface management
High-footfall street level requiring exclusion zones and banksmen
Our Approach
For a structure of this scale, our focus was on precise planning, controlled access, and IRATA-governed rope access methods delivered by Level 3 technicians.
Site Assessment
Our team performed detailed inspection of existing access systems and rigging points, opting to deploy our own mobile anchor systems. Wind exposure, weather windows, and facade geometry were fully assessed before works began.
Wind Management
Continuous monitoring of weather and wind speeds throughout the programme. Works scheduled around suitable weather windows with real-time safety management ensuring operatives were never exposed to unsafe conditions.
Coordinated Delivery
All works delivered in full consultation with building management. Controlled access and exclusion zones at street level, daily communication and progress reporting, with programme scheduled to avoid peak pedestrian flow.
Technical Delivery
Full IRATA rope access delivery across all elevations, managed by Level 3 technicians to maintain compliance with IRATA ICOP. MEWP deployed on west elevation for rescue standby.
IRATA Rope Access
Primary access method for the entire building including high-rise and recessed areas. On-roof rigging and controlled descents managed by Level 3 technicians with mobile anchor systems deployed for areas without existing rigging points.
MEWP Rescue Standby
MEWP positioned on the west elevation as rescue standby in accordance with IRATA requirements. This ensured rapid response capability for any emergency situation while rope access teams worked at height.
Results Delivered
Despite the height and exposure, the entire programme was completed safely and on schedule. The building's glazing was restored to a clear, professional finish across all elevations — including areas historically challenging to access.
"Bridgewater Place stands as a strong example of our ability to deliver complex high-rise cleaning across major UK cities. Our combination of IRATA-trained technicians, detailed planning, and real-time safety management allowed us to complete the contract safely, efficiently, and to an exceptional standard."
High-Rise Cleaning Requirements?
Whether your building has a failed BMU, complex facade geometry, or challenging wind exposure, we have the expertise and IRATA accreditation to deliver safely and efficiently.