Scaffolding with purpose: Crossway's landmark project at Trinity Building, Halifax
Not every scaffolding project is defined purely by its technical complexity. At Trinity Building in Halifax, Crossway Scaffolding delivered something that went well beyond engineering excellence…a nine-month project that combined innovation, sustainability and a real commitment to the local community.
The project involved the installation of more than 20,000 square metres of Plettac Metrix System Scaffold to support the refurbishment of this Grade II listed building in the heart of Halifax. In partnership with TRAD UK, Crossway invested over one million pounds in system scaffolding purchased specifically for the project, reflecting the scale of ambition on both sides of a partnership that spans more than 25 years.
With the company yard located just four miles from the site, Crossway implemented a just-in-time delivery model to keep carbon emissions to a minimum throughout the programme. Steel decks replaced traditional timber boards to improve durability and reduce environmental impact, and five apprentices were employed on the project, three of whom live within 15 minutes of the site. These are not footnotes — they are a deliberate and considered approach to doing business responsibly.
The technical demands of the project were significant. The external scaffold supported the removal and replacement of a 50-year-old glazing system, requiring a fully designed and tested 350-metre NIKO rail to handle glass panels weighing up to half a tonne each. A 2.5-metre scaffold walkway allowed the safe transfer of glazing to multiple hoist locations, while FR Powerclad sheeting and FR shrinkwrap provided full weather protection throughout.
Following contract award, Crossway redesigned the scaffold internally, removing up to 2,000 metres of beams through smart use of bracing, improving efficiency without compromising structural integrity. Independent monthly inspections were carried out by SIMIAN Risk throughout the programme, alongside weekly inspections by Crossway's own Contract Manager, ensuring the highest standards of compliance were maintained from start to finish.
The original tender comprised 73 scaffold drawings and was competed against five other NASC member companies. That Crossway won it, delivered it and did so with sustainability and social value at its core is a testament to what responsible, forward-thinking scaffolding contracting looks like in practice.
