Bell Tower Scaffolding at St Luke's Church in Reading

A Complex Wraparound Access Challenge

ROAR Scaffolding installed a complex full wraparound access scaffold around the bell tower at St Luke's Church on Erleigh Road in Reading.

Rising to approximately 20 metres at its highest point, the structure incorporated more than ten boarded working lifts across several elevations. It provided the appointed specialists with access to the tower's brickwork, roof junctions, architectural details, bell turret and cross for inspection, repair and maintenance work.

Working on a Grade II-Listed Church

St Luke's is a Grade II-listed Victorian church designed by respected ecclesiastical architect J. P. St Aubyn. Construction began in 1882, and the church was consecrated the following year.

Its red-brick elevations, contrasting brick bands, traditional tiled roofs and distinctive bell turret make it a recognisable building within Reading's Redlands community.

Working on a listed church requires careful consideration of its traditional materials and architectural features. At St Luke's, the position of the tower created an additional challenge because it rises from within the main pitched roof rather than from a straightforward ground-level elevation.

The adjoining roofs also change in height and direction, restricting where the scaffold could be supported and how the working platforms could be arranged.

Stepped Access Around the Bell Tower

To overcome the different roof levels, the scaffold was progressively stepped towards the upper section of the tower.

More than ten working lifts were distributed around the structure, with each platform positioned at a height suited to the area being inspected or repaired. Full returns connected the different elevations, creating continuous access around the tower and allowing the specialists to work methodically without repeatedly repositioning separate access equipment.

Boarded platforms with ladder access connected each of the stepped lifts. Guardrails and access gates completed the working areas around the tower.

The standards, ledgers, transoms and bracing were arranged around the existing pitched roofs, with suitable clearance maintained from the tiled surfaces and prominent architectural details. Boarded platforms, guardrails and toe boards completed the working areas.

The result was a substantial temporary structure tailored to the unusual height and geometry of the church. It provided access to areas that would otherwise have been extremely difficult to reach using conventional equipment.

Views Across Reading

From the upper lifts, the team also had exceptional views across Reading and the wider Berkshire skyline. Photographs taken during the project capture both the scale of the scaffold and the unusual perspective from the top of the church.

The view from the top lift, looking out across the Redlands rooftops. Looking along the ridge line towards the wider Reading skyline.

This project demonstrates ROAR Scaffolding's ability to provide carefully planned access for churches, listed buildings and architecturally important properties where complex rooflines and sensitive features rule out a standard scaffold arrangement.

Church and Heritage Scaffolding in Reading

ROAR Scaffolding are established commercial scaffolders in Reading, providing residential and specialist scaffolding throughout Reading, Berkshire and the surrounding counties. Our services include:

• Church and heritage scaffolding
• Listed-building maintenance access
• Roof and masonry repair scaffolds
• Structural inspection access
• Painting and restoration scaffolding
• Complex high-level access
• Temporary roofs and weather protection

ROAR Scaffolding holds CHAS Elite and CHAS Standard accreditations, works with CISRS-qualified operatives and carries £10 million Public and Employers' Liability insurance.

Planning inspection, maintenance or restoration work at a church or historic property? Contact ROAR Scaffolding to arrange a free, no-obligation site assessment and quotation.