Client
The Welcome Trust
Value
£189k
Sectors & Services
Buildings Repairs & Refurbishment Heritage & Listed Corrosion Control Cleaning & Preparation External Façade Refurbishment Steel Frame Cathodic Protection Projects
The Wellcome Building on Euston Road is an iconic London landmark and the home of the Wellcome Collection, a renowned public venue encompassing galleries, conference facilities, event spaces, a café and a bookshop dedicated to medical science and history. Owned by the Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation with an endowment of approximately £16 billion, the building plays a central role in supporting public engagement, research and debate.
CRL was appointed to undertake planned stonework restoration and associated protective works to the façade, addressing age-related deterioration while ensuring the building remained fully operational throughout. The project demanded a carefully managed approach to preserve the asset’s architectural character and public function.
Services Undertaken
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DOFF steam cleaning of stone façades
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Installation of remote-controlled Impressed Current Cathodic Protection system
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Stonework rebuilding
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Stonework restoration
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Stonework replacement
CRL delivered a coordinated programme of façade cleaning, stonework restoration and long-term corrosion protection, tailored to the operational sensitivities of a prominent, fully occupied building. DOFF steam cleaning was selected for façade cleaning, providing an effective yet gentle method of removing soiling and biological growth from the stone surfaces while preserving the integrity and appearance of the substrate. This process enhanced the building’s visual quality and prepared the stonework for subsequent interventions.
Stone elements requiring attention were carefully rebuilt, restored or replaced, using compatible materials and traditional craftsmanship to maintain architectural consistency. Damaged and weathered stonework was addressed methodically to reinstate structural stability and aesthetic coherence, ensuring repairs blended seamlessly with the existing façade.
To address embedded steel corrosion and safeguard the structure against future deterioration, a remote-controlled Impressed Current Cathodic Protection system was installed. This modern corrosion protection solution provides active, long-term defence against reinforcement corrosion, significantly extending the service life of the structure and supporting proactive asset management.
Throughout the works, CRL worked in close daily collaboration with the Building Manager to plan and coordinate activities around the building’s busy schedule. Careful sequencing ensured that high-profile meetings, public access and events proceeded without disruption, demonstrating CRL’s capability in delivering complex concrete and stone repairs within live environments typical of structural repairs UK projects.
“CRL managed the stonework restoration at the Wellcome Building with exceptional professionalism, ensuring the project ran smoothly while the building remained fully operational. Their expertise, careful planning and attention to detail delivered a high-quality, durable result that has enhanced both the appearance and longevity of this iconic landmark.”
The completed works provide lasting benefits that extend well beyond the immediate restoration of the façade. By combining sensitive stonework repairs with advanced cathodic protection, CRL enhanced the durability and resilience of the building, reducing the likelihood of future interventions and supporting long-term asset management objectives.
Maintaining full operational use throughout the project highlighted CRL’s strength in planning, stakeholder coordination and risk management, ensuring safety, continuity and minimal disruption. The integration of corrosion protection and careful surface preparation contributes to a sustainable maintenance strategy, extending service life and protecting the Wellcome Trust’s investment. The project stands as a clear demonstration of CRL’s professionalism, technical capability and collaborative approach when delivering specialist repair works to high-profile, culturally significant assets.
