March 2014 – Scaffolding & Access
There seems to be an entirely unintended theme to this month’s issue – namely that of history repeating itself.
Our four-page site report on the imminent completion of Heathrow’s new Terminal 2 building feels like a journey back to the pioneering days of Sir John Egan’s influential report, “Rethinking Construction”.
It seems so long ago – though it was only 2008 – that BAA (Sir John’s alma mater and the archetypal modern construction client) put the finishing touches to T5. It was a huge achievement and a brilliant demonstration of what enlightened teamwork can achieve.
A lot has happened since then, not least a deep recession that saw clients and contractors abandon Egan’s civilising principles in their undignified fight for survival.
Well, happily it seems that the spirit of T5 lives on because the result at T2A has also been a triumph, carrying all the hallmarks of T5’s teamwork principles. In fact it could be even better if, this time, they manage to open the new terminal without losing everybody’s luggage.
This month’s feeling of déjà vu continues with news that SGB, the UK’s most recognisable scaffolding brand, is making a comeback after an absence of more than five years. Why owner Harsco ever thought it a good idea to ditch the SGB name beats me. Luckily, Harsco’s not in charge any more.
A far less welcome unearthing of old memories is discussed on page 18. Digging up an unexploded bomb is certainly interesting, but in all the wrong ways. Luckily, as we discover, there are people out there who can help you avoid a literal blast from the past.
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