Athenaeum rooflights lifted in by crane

A dramatic rooftop delivery was needed in Warminster as a giant pane of glass was lifted over the roof of the Athenaeum as part of the theatre’s energy-saving upgrade.

The Grade II-listed building has received a grant for energy efficiency improvements, helping it cut costs and better serve the local community. Among the upgrades is the replacement of two ageing, single-glazed rooflights.

However, a challenge arose when one of the large panes turned out to be half an inch too big to be carried up the three storeys inside the building – prompting the need for a crane lift.

Local firm BC Roofing was enlisted to supply and install the bespoke units, which replaced the original rotting softwood frames.

“Billy and his team at BC Roofing had to crane it into position over the roof,” said chair of trustees, Jon Ellis. “It was a heart-stopping moment whilst the pane was hoisted up, with the wind seemingly stronger than down on the ground!   

“However, both units were successfully installed without further incident and will contribute to reducing heat-loss through the roof.

“This is part of a number of energy-saving measures we have been able to implement this year thanks to a successful grant application, and I’m indebted to BC Roofing for their advice, support and ingenuity in completing this part of the project.”

The funding was made possible through the government’s VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme that has provided support to community organisations and charities. The administration of these funds is managed on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) by community charity, Groundwork. The scheme is funded as part of a package of over £100million of support being delivered by the government to help frontline delivery organisations with the increased cost of living.