Maysand used its expertise sought early on, after being appointed to the project by in-house contractor George Downing Construction, when its first task was to help refine the schedule of works.

MD Bryn Lisle explains: “We carry out this kind of work on historic structures regularly, so we were able to get involved with practical advice. We carried out a clean pressure, nebulous water spray which gently agitates the limestone to wash away any grime on the surface. And we worked on the whole of the exterior so we used electric pumps to deliver the 500 gallons per hour needed to supply the cleaning units at the right pressure.”

As well as the cleaning team, a repointing gang, several teams of stonemasons and a repair crew who re-pinned the stone with stainless steel in isolated areas, worked on the project.

Work on the Grade II* listed building, originally built for the Mersey Docks and Harbour Co, lasted for 12 months.

John Walsh, Project Manager for Downing, was more than happy with Maysand: “It was the first time we worked together but Maysand proved that our confidence in its capabilities was well founded. Performance levels were good and it is clearly a very professional operation, he comments.”