Freestanding Structure - Bexhill College
Freestanding Scaffolding Solution for New Catering Block – Bexhill College
Tiger Scaffolding LTD was appointed to provide a comprehensive scaffolding solution for the construction of a new catering block at Bexhill College.
The project formed part of an active educational environment, requiring a safe, robust, and carefully planned scaffold structure to support construction works while maintaining protection for pedestrians, site operatives, and surrounding areas.
Project: Freestanding Design independant scaffold for New Build
Sector: Commercial
Location: Bexhill College, East Sussex
Client: Bauvill
Services Provided: Design, Supply & Installation of Temporary Access Scaffolding
The Challenge
The project presented several key challenges:
• Requirement for a fully freestanding scaffold, with no reliance on the new structure for stability
• Ongoing site activity within a live education setting
• Safe segregation of pedestrian routes and construction zones
• Need for efficient material handling and storage at height
• Multiple trades operating simultaneously
The scaffold solution needed to balance stability, access, loading capacity, and public protection, while remaining adaptable to the build programme.
Our Solution
Tiger Scaffolding LTD designed and erected a freestanding, independent scaffold, stabilised using kentledge in the form of water butts, ensuring full compliance without the need for ties into the new building.
The scaffold incorporated:
• Freestanding scaffold structure designed to suit the building footprint
• Kentledge system using water butts, positioned and calculated to provide stability
• Multiple boarded working lifts to support phased construction works
• Dedicated loading bays for the safe distribution of materials
• Integrated stair access to allow safe and efficient movement of operatives
• Pedestrian protection fans installed over designated walkways
This configuration ensured uninterrupted access for construction works while maintaining a high level of safety throughout the site.
Our outcome
The completed scaffold provided:
A stable and compliant freestanding access solution
Safe working platforms for all trades
Protected pedestrian routes within a live environment
Efficient material handling through dedicated loading bays
The project was delivered safely, on programme, and to the satisfaction of the client and principal contractor.
Pedestrian & Site Safety
Given the presence of walkways and shared site routes, pedestrian safety was a critical consideration.
Measures included:
• Pedestrian fans to protect walkways from falling materials
• Clearly defined access and exclusion zones
• Edge protection, toe boards, and debris control measures
• Careful coordination with site management to maintain safe routes
All measures were implemented to minimise risk to both operatives and pedestrians.
Design & Planning
The scaffold was planned to suit the construction sequence of the new catering block.
This included:
• Consideration of imposed loads and material storage
• Strategic positioning of loading bays
• Sequenced erection to match build progress
• Ongoing adaptation as works advanced
Where required, scaffold design principles were applied to ensure the structure remained stable and compliant throughout the project duration.
Safety & Compliance
All works were carried out in accordance with:
• Work at Height Regulations
• NASC guidance and best practice
• Project-specific risk assessments and method statements
The scaffold was subject to:
• Formal handover certification
• Regular statutory inspections
• Ongoing monitoring due to the freestanding nature of the structure
Project Highlights
✔ Freestanding scaffold solution
✔ Kentledge using water butts
✔ Pedestrian protection fans
✔ Integrated loading bays
✔ Education-sector project
✔ Multi-storey access scaffold
Our Experience
This project demonstrates Tiger Scaffolding LTD’s experience in delivering complex scaffolding solutions within live environments, including education facilities.
We regularly undertake projects requiring:
• Freestanding and kentledged scaffolds
• Public and pedestrian protection systems
• Loading bays and material handling solutions
• Large-scale commercial scaffolding