BUILDING FAÇADE CLEANING & DILAPIDATION

Jones Lang LaSalle Ltd (JLL) - Former River Island Store, Leeds, LS1

Client's Challenge

Following the vacation of a former River Island retail premises in Leeds City Centre, JLL required a specialist contractor to deliver comprehensive façade cleaning and advise on dilapidation requirements for a historic listed building.

The building exterior had accumulated extensive contamination over time, including ingrained environmental pollutants, dirt and grime, algae, moss and biological plant growth, as well as significant bird fouling. These issues were affecting both the visual presentation of the property and the standard required for ongoing asset management and re-letting.

The façade comprised multiple sensitive materials, including sandstone, brick masonry, marble, and steel cladding, each requiring a controlled, non-abrasive cleaning approach. Additional restoration support works were also required, including targeted stone repairs, limestone removal and graffiti removal.

Due to the busy Leeds city-centre location, all works needed to be delivered with minimal disruption to pedestrians, surrounding businesses and public infrastructure.

APT ICC were selected from multiple tendering contractors based on proven heritage façade cleaning experience, the ability to manage complex city-centre access constraints, and a methodology suited to sensitive restoration cleaning.

Assessment & Planning  

APT ICC carried out a full site survey and consultation with JLL, architects and conservation specialists to assess:

• Substrate types across the façade (sandstone, brick, marble and cladding)
• Levels of environmental contamination and biological growth
• The most suitable non-abrasive cleaning methods for a listed building
• Pedestrian interface risks and public safety requirements
• Working-at-height access needs (up to approximately 25 metres)
• Programme sequencing to meet a strict two-week deadline

Two environmentally responsible façade cleaning methods were proposed:
• Super-heated steam cleaning (low pressure)
• Soda blasting (non-abrasive)

Following consultation, soda blasting was approved as the primary method for key façade areas, providing effective contaminant removal while protecting historic building fabric.

APT ICC produced a full work specification, RAMS and Health & Safety plan aligned to city-centre working conditions and multi-contractor coordination.

    Methodology

    Step 1: Mobilisation and public safety controls
    Controlled work zones, barriers and pedestrian management systems were installed to ensure safe operation within a live city-centre environment.

    Step 2: Bird fouling treatment and surface preparation
    Affected areas were treated using specialist cleaning products to soften and safely remove bird fouling prior to restoration cleaning.

    Step 3: Soda blasting for heritage façade materials
    Accredited soda blasting technicians carried out non-abrasive cleaning to:
    • Sandstone façades
    • Brick masonry elevations
    • Marble surface areas
    • Targeted graffiti removal zones

    Soda blasting was selected for its ability to remove stubborn
    contamination without damaging sensitive historic substrates.

    Step 4: Cladding cleaning and protection
    Steel cladding areas were cleaned and treated to restore appearance and provide surface protection following cleaning.

    Step 5: Final inspection and handover
    APT ICC completed final façade inspections to confirm all areas were cleaned to specification and the property was presented to a restored, lettable standard.

    Building Facade Cleaning in Leeds

    Site Access & Logistics

    Building Facade Cleaning in Leeds

    Equipment
    • Soda blasting equipment and specialist media delivery systems
    • Super-heated steam cleaning equipment (supporting method where required)
    • High-level access equipment suitable for city-centre façade works
    • Full PPE and controlled zone management systems


    Chemicals
    • Dekon 50 Deodoriser – used for bird fouling treatment and contamination removal
    • Citrus RTU – used to assist with fouling breakdown and surface contamination removal
    • Vision Plus – used for cleaning and protection of steel cladding surfaces


    The Results
    APT ICC successfully delivered the full façade cleaning and dilapidation support programme for JLL at the former River Island premises in Leeds.

    Key outcomes included:
    • Removal of embedded environmental pollutants and biological growth
    • Bird fouling eliminated from affected elevation
    • Sandstone, brickwork and marble restored using non-abrasive soda blasting
    • Graffiti removed from lower façade areas
    • Steel cladding cleaned and protected
    • Completion within a strict two-week deadline in a busy public environment

    The client was highly satisfied with the transformation achieved, demonstrating APT ICC’s capability to deliver sensitive façade restoration within complex city-centre and heritage settings.