SCA Group’s Centenary Quays Project: Project of the Month January 2025

Delivering Excellence with SMART Estimator 3D scaffold estimation software

The scaffolding industry is an integral part of construction and infrastructure projects, providing access solutions that are safe, efficient, and compliant. Among the leaders in this field is SCA Group, a specialist in access scaffolding and temporary containment solutions. With over 30 years of expertise across multiple sectors—including marine, construction, industrial, housing, and rail—SCA Group has built a reputation for excellence.

Their recent project at Centenary Quays in Southampton showcases their ability to handle large-scale, complex scaffolding requirements. With the support of cutting-edge technology, particularly SMART Estimator, SCA Group efficiently planned, executed, and managed the scaffolding needs of this high-profile development. In this blog post, we delve into how SCA Group tackled this ambitious project and how scaffolding estimation software played a pivotal role in their success.

About SCA Group

SCA Group’s extensive experience and meticulous planning set them apart in the scaffolding industry. Their commitment to health and safety, high-quality service, and proactive problem-solving ensures that every project is executed seamlessly. The company’s approach emphasises detailed pre-planning, which helps them deliver projects ahead of schedule, providing added value to their clients.

One of their key strengths is their ability to handle large-scale commercial scaffolding projects, particularly those that involve multiple buildings and require intricate access solutions. The Centenary Quays project fitted perfectly within their expertise, demonstrating their ability to adapt to complex site conditions while ensuring minimal disruption to residents and businesses.

The Centenary Quays Project: A Major Undertaking

Centenary Quays is a mixed-use development in Woolston, Southampton, featuring residential apartments, commercial spaces, and leisure facilities. Originally the site of Vosper Thorneycroft shipbuilders, the area has undergone significant regeneration since 2008. Spanning 31 acres, the project includes a central plaza with amenities such as a bar, beauty salon, library, dentist, and gymnasium.

SCA Group was awarded the scaffolding access contract for five large residential blocks, requiring extensive scaffolding structures to facilitate brickwork and render repairs. The challenging part? The buildings remained fully occupied throughout the construction, requiring careful planning, robust safety measures, and strategic execution to prevent disruption to residents and businesses.

Key Scaffolding Challenges and Requirements

SCA Group’s scope of work at Centenary Quays involved:

• Tube and fitting access scaffolding with independent, physically tied, fully boarded scaffolds
• Loading gantries and pedestrian walkways to maintain access and safety
• Uninhibited access to all elevations, balconies, and roofs
• Fire retardant netting (TS62) and Monoflex sheeting (LPS1215) to prevent falling debris
• Scaffold staircases, hoists, and winches for easy material movement
• Scaffold catchment nets for enhanced public safety
• Protective fans to ensure no debris fell into pedestrian areas

One of the most challenging aspects was working around the semi-circular design of one of the buildings, requiring custom scaffolding solutions. Additionally, the sheer scale of the project—with over 1,300 tons of materials simultaneously on-site—demanded exceptional logistical coordination.

Ensuring Safety and Compliance

Public safety was a top priority. With businesses and residences fully operational throughout the construction, pedestrian protection gantries, scaffold fans, and collapsible catchment nets were strategically placed to minimise risks.

Moreover, collaboration with the main contractor and other stakeholders was key to the project’s success. By maintaining a permanent site office, SCA Group ensured ongoing coordination, reducing delays and minimising additional costs.

SMART Estimator: A Game-Changer for Efficiency and Accuracy

One of the biggest advantages for SCA Group on this project was their use of SMART Estimator, an advanced scaffolding estimation software that streamlined the entire process from planning to execution.

How SMART Estimator Supported the Project:

• 3D scaffold estimation software: Provided a clear visual representation of scaffold coverage, helping the client and other contractors understand the build sequence.
• Quick Adjustments: When the client requested modifications—such as changes in lift heights, boarding arrangements, or scaffold widths—these were easily accommodated without redoing estimates from scratch.
• Material Load Lists: Essential for planning material requirements, ensuring efficient logistics and minimal waste.
• Enhanced Communication: Chargehands and site supervisors had detailed visual references to understand the project scope fully.
• Labour Productivity Estimation: Supervisors had access to labour targets, improving workforce efficiency and profitability.
• Cost Management: Accurate material estimations helped in optimising project budgets, reducing unnecessary expenses.

Without SMART Estimator, achieving this level of efficiency, accuracy, and cost control would have been significantly more challenging. The software’s ability to provide detailed visual aids and precise material calculations revolutionised the planning process, reinforcing the importance of digital tools in scaffolding project management.

Overcoming Logistical Challenges

One of the biggest challenges was material movement across such a large and complex site. SCA Group tackled this by constructing a custom loading bay, which, although outside the original contract, significantly improved labour efficiency and reduced manual handling risks.

Strategic use of hoists, V-barrows, and fitting bags ensured that scaffolders had everything they needed at the right place and time. This meticulous approach to logistics and material handling was a key factor in the project’s success.

Lessons Learned and the Future of Scaffolding Technology

The Centenary Quays project reinforced the importance of:

• Early engagement and collaboration to align all stakeholders
• Efficient material handling to minimise delays and labour costs
• Digital tools like SMART Estimator 3D scaffold estimation software to improve planning and execution

SCA Group sees technology as the future of scaffolding, and SMART Estimator has already proven to be a vital component in their workflow. Manual estimation methods are outdated, and companies that fail to adopt digital solutions risk falling behind.

What’s Next for SCA Group?

With Centenary Quays under their belt, SCA Group is looking forward to more challenging projects, including temporary roofing structures and marine scaffolding for piers. Their expertise, combined with their adoption of advanced scaffolding technology, positions them as a leader in the industry.

Their clients, too, recognise the value they bring:

“We have used, and continue to use SCA, on a number of our schemes along the south coast. Their professionalism and attention to detail are first class. Further schemes are in the pipeline and we hope to use SCA in the future.” – Client Regional Manager

The Centenary Quays project exemplifies SCA Group’s ability to deliver large-scale scaffolding solutions efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. By integrating SMART Estimator, they were able to enhance planning, optimise resources, and improve communication, leading to a seamless execution.

For companies looking to redefine their scaffolding operations, adopting scaffolding estimation software like SMART Estimator is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. SCA Group’s success story proves that technology-driven scaffolding solutions are the future of the industry.

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Interested in how SCA Group can support your next scaffolding project? Visit SCA Group’s website to learn more about their services and expertise.

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Interested in how SMART Scaffolder can support your next scaffolding project?  Contact us to learn more about our services and expertise.