Retail
New Aldi, Wellington — Retail Construction Scaffolding
Several hundred metres of access scaffolding erected over four weeks for the new Aldi store in Wellington, Somerset.
Project Overview
TWK Scaffolding was appointed by Soben to provide access scaffolding for the construction of a new Aldi supermarket in Wellington, Somerset.
The development, located near Chelston Roundabout off the A38, comprises a single-storey food store of approximately 14,000 sq ft.
With the overall construction programme scheduled for just 32 weeks, including snagging, the project required careful coordination between the different trades from the outset.
Our scaffolding package involved several hundred linear metres of access scaffolding, together with additional independent scaffolds and temporary edge protection introduced as the construction requirements developed.
Over a concentrated four-week erection period, our teams worked alongside other contractors to provide the access needed to keep the different construction activities progressing.
The project forms part of TWK’s wider involvement in new Aldi developments, alongside the store at Canford Bottom in Dorset.
The Challenge — A Demanding Programme & Limited Working Space
The main challenge at Wellington was accommodating the access requirements of several trades within a relatively compact building footprint.
Although the store is a substantial retail development, the available working space became restricted when multiple contractors needed to carry out their activities simultaneously.
Scaffolding had to be positioned and erected without unnecessarily obstructing other work fronts, while providing suitable working platforms for the tasks being undertaken.
The programme was another important consideration.
With the overall build scheduled over 32 weeks, including snagging, individual construction activities had limited room for delays. Scaffold access needed to be available when required so other contractors could continue with their work.
As construction progressed, further requirements emerged beyond our original scaffolding scope.
These included additional independent access scaffolds and temporary edge protection, which had to be accommodated alongside the existing programme.
The challenge was to respond to those changes promptly while maintaining coordination with Soben and the other contractors working on site.
The TWK Solution — Additional Access Without Disrupting the Programme
TWK supplied and erected the independent access scaffolding required for the construction works, with several hundred linear metres installed over a four-week period.
Working with Soben and the site team, we coordinated scaffold erection around the different construction activities, ensuring working platforms were provided where they were needed.
Responding to Additional Requirements
As the project progressed, it became clear that further access and protection arrangements were necessary.
Rather than treating the original scope as fixed, we worked with the contractor to establish practical solutions for the additional requirements.
This included erecting further independent scaffolds and providing temporary edge protection to support the trades and maintain suitable working conditions.
The additional arrangements were coordinated with the ongoing scaffold works and wider construction sequence, helping avoid unnecessary delays to other activities.
Coordinating Multiple Trades
With several contractors working within the same building, planning access and scaffold positions was particularly important.
Our teams worked around the available space and the changing requirements of the site, coordinating erection activities so scaffolding could be introduced as the different work areas became available.
Maintaining communication with Soben allowed additional access requirements to be addressed as they arose rather than waiting until they affected the next stage of construction.
Project Delivery & Outcome
TWK’s scaffolding erection programme extended over four weeks, during which several hundred linear metres of scaffolding were installed to support the new supermarket development.
The package also developed beyond the original scope, with additional independent scaffolds and temporary edge protection provided as the construction works progressed.
The project demonstrates the importance of having a scaffolding contractor who can respond to changing site requirements, particularly on fast-moving retail developments where several trades depend on access being available at the right time.
By coordinating closely with Soben and the other contractors, TWK provided practical scaffolding solutions to support the construction programme.
It also demonstrates our experience working on repeat retail developments, with TWK involved in both the Wellington and Canford Bottom Aldi projects.
Technical Highlights
- Several hundred linear metres of access scaffolding
- Four-week scaffolding erection programme
- Independent scaffolds supporting new-store construction
- Additional independent scaffolding beyond the original scope
- Temporary edge protection for construction activities
- Multiple trades working within restricted floor space
- Scaffolding coordinated around changing site requirements
- Demanding 32-week overall construction programme, including snagging
- One of two Aldi developments undertaken for Soben
Planning a Retail Construction Project?
Whether you’re developing a new supermarket, retail unit or larger commercial building, TWK Scaffolding can provide access arrangements planned around your construction programme and the changing requirements of the trades.
Contact our team to discuss your project and arrange a site survey and quotation.