Maintenance project completed above 2.5 million litre shark tank

Access North Structures, the Huddersfield-based rope access business, has completed a 12-week maintenance assignment at The Deep in Hull.

The project involved the company carrying out structural repaint above a 2.5 million litre open shark tank.

Opened in 2001, the geological rock formation-inspired structure is built around a steel framework and externally clad in five different materials.

Access North Structures was contracted to deliver the maintenance works during opening hours, as summer is The Deep’s busiest period and the essential works required good weather conditions.

Discreet and safe rope access techniques were employed to reduce disruption and risk to visitors, staff members and the aquatic animals alike.

Commencing a two-pronged upkeep programme on the structure, the three-strong team of rope access technicians was responsible for renewing the upper glazed façade, rendered surfaces and claddings, along with the supporting framework, exterior nose cone of the building and a beam over the holding tank area.

Stage one involved an inspection of the external structure and full rendering repaint, whilst the second phase comprised cleaning all glazing and painting both external and internal steelwork.

Richard Knight, technical project manager, said: “No two structures are the same, meaning every single project is different for our technicians. So, we’re no strangers to working on unusual sites and complex buildings – but abseiling over a shark tank to complete the required repainting was a definite first for the team!

“The Deep has been one of Yorkshire’s most iconic landmarks for almost 20 years, so it’s brilliant for us to have played a key part in its upkeep.”