Client
CBRE on behalf of BT
Value
£1.1 M
Sectors & Services
Buildings Repairs & Refurbishment Concrete Repair Coatings Corrosion Control Structural Strengthening External Façade Refurbishment
Standing approximately 63 metres tall, BT Swansea Central Tower is the second tallest building in Wales and a critical telecommunications asset. CRL Bristol was appointed by CBRE, on behalf of BT, as Principal Contractor to deliver a £1.1 million external façade refurbishment and structural remediation programme.
The project was required to address deteriorated and delaminated concrete, manage reinforcement corrosion and improve the building’s resistance to environmental exposure. Delivered over a 27-week programme, the works also encompassed the adjacent Padley’s Yard building and internal soffit repairs, requiring careful coordination to maintain the tower’s operational continuity throughout the refurbishment.
SCOPE OF WORKS
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Specialist concrete repairs to the external façade.
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Installation of XP sacrificial anodes for corrosion protection.
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Priming and application of a complete AC protective coating system
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Removal of redundant steel cradle rails.
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Replacement of high-security access doors.
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High-level access using rope access, mast climbers, cradles and independent scaffolding.
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Temporary works design for complex scaffold installations.
The refurbishment combines specialist concrete repairs, corrosion management and façade protection to improve the structural condition and long-term performance of BT Swansea Central Tower. Following detailed condition surveys and a comprehensive hammer survey, areas of deteriorated and delaminated concrete were identified for targeted remediation. Repairs included the treatment of exposed reinforcement, corrosion management and reinstatement using approved concrete repair systems. XP sacrificial anodes are being installed to provide additional protection against reinforcement corrosion and help extend the service life of the structure.
External façade preparation involved pressure washing, surface preparation, priming and the application of a complete AC protective coating system in accordance with the SIKA specification. Rendering, pore filling and mastic replacement form part of the wider refurbishment, improving the integrity and weather resistance of the building envelope. The scope also includes the removal of redundant steel cradle rails and replacement of critical high-security access doors, addressing both the façade’s condition and the building’s access requirements.
The programme extends beyond the main tower. Works to the adjacent Padley’s Yard building included a full hammer survey, concrete repairs, rendering, pressure washing and AC coating application. Approximately 25m² of soffit concrete repairs were also undertaken within the occupied building, requiring careful management of the internal working environment.
The building’s height, geometry and restricted access conditions meant that no single access method could accommodate the entire scope. CRL coordinated a combination of mast climbers, cradles, rope access and traditional independent scaffolding. Several scaffold installations required complex temporary works designs to provide safe access to difficult façade locations. This multi-access strategy demanded detailed planning and close coordination between the site team, designers and specialist contractors.
Throughout the 27-week programme, the team adapted to changing work fronts, adverse weather, additional client instructions and access constraints. Live traffic and pedestrian interfaces were managed through scheduled car park closures, dedicated banksmen and evening working, helping maintain safe working conditions and minimise disruption to building occupants.
"Throughout our work with CRL on projects for BT, the team has consistently demonstrated professionalism, approachability and dependability. They maintain a positive, solutions-focused attitude, even when faced with complex challenges, working effectively under pressure while upholding high standards of communication, workmanship and project delivery."
Thomas Craig| Regional Director | CBRE
The refurbishment provides more than an improvement to the building’s external appearance. By addressing concrete deterioration, managing reinforcement corrosion and applying a protective façade coating system, the works are designed to improve durability, reduce exposure-related deterioration and extend the service life of this important telecommunications asset. These measures support long-term asset management by helping reduce the risk of recurring defects and avoidable future maintenance.
Delivering the programme within a live operational environment required robust planning, rigorous quality assurance and consistent communication with CBRE and the wider project team. CRL’s ability to coordinate multiple specialist access systems, respond proactively to changing site conditions and manage traffic, pedestrian and occupancy interfaces demonstrates its expertise in complex structural repairs in the UK.
The successful progression towards completion reflects the professionalism of CRL’s site operatives, project management team and specialist supply chain partners. Through coordinated delivery, careful workmanship and a focus on operational continuity, the project supports the long-term resilience and performance of a critical asset while minimising disruption to its users.
