Provision of a fully boarded, 13-lift-high Kwikstage system scaffolding fitted with brickguards and integrated staircases to support Dandara Living with constructing Purpose-Built Student Accommodation.

The PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation) and Build to Rent division of Dandara Group, called Dandara Living, has formed a joint venture with Gamuda Land UK* to develop City Wharf, a landmark PBSA scheme in Glasgow.

The new Dandara Living residential development in Glasgow repurposes derelict land overlooking the Kingston Bridge in the central business district, Anderston Quay, with nearly 500 one-, two-, and three-bedroom energy-efficient homes for rent and 490 student bedspaces alongside units for commercial use. Sustainability is a key consideration with modern construction methods, and the new buildings are integrated with low- and zero-carbon technologies, including air-source heat pumps, to achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating.

The ground and first floors accommodate high-quality amenities, including a resident’s lounge, a large open-plan gym, a cycle hub, and co-working spaces overlooking the River Clyde waterfront. A new urban park provides green open space for the wider local community, and residents further benefit from additional private courtyard spaces and recreational areas. Build-to-rent developments feature properties that are let on secure tenancies and not sold, providing residents with long-term security and access to well-managed communal facilities that are designed to promote a sense of community.

Glasgow is currently home to over 88,000 full-time students, but a report highlighted the city faces significant shortages of student accommodation, with a further 22,000 beds needed. City Wharf is in commutable proximity to the city’s three major universities: the University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian University and is equipped to service this demand.

* Gamuda Land UK is part of Gamuda Berhad one of the largest infrastructure companies in Malysia who have a proven track record for delivering innovative projects worldwide.

Due to the extensive bricklaying requirements and the nature of the work, Kwikstage system scaffolding was selected as the optimal solution. Its scalability and adaptability make it ideally suited for large-scale, multi-storey building projects, allowing for quick adjustments that support the overall construction schedule.

The fully boarded Kwikstage system, rising 13-lifts high and integrated with staircases featuring non-slip treads, provided safe and simultaneous access and egress to all levels. Each level included extended bay areas designated for loading, unloading, and material storage. Additionally, fitted brickguard panels protected workers below from potential hazards caused by falling tools, materials, or debris throughout both the construction and fit-out phases.

The Kwikstage system comprises five basic interlocking components that, when combined with a wide range of accessories, create a simple, safe, and versatile platform. This enables multiple tradespeople, including bricklayers, to efficiently perform both external and internal fit-out tasks. Its wedge-fixing system allows platforms to be easily raised to support ongoing brickwork, with stage brackets featuring ‘hop-ups’ for incremental height adjustments. Unlike traditional tube and fitting scaffolding, Kwikstage requires no cross-bracing or internal-bracing that could obstruct walkways, thereby enhancing site productivity.

To further enhance on-site safety, rooftop edge protection was installed, and tube and fitting scaffolding was used to provide perimeter guardrails.

Before mobilising equipment and personnel on site, Enigma’s Glasgow operational team coordinated closely with the Dandara site team and all subcontractors to develop a carefully sequenced plan that aligned with the project programme.

The logistical team at the Glasgow depot managed deliveries according to the scaffolding team’s instructions, efficiently handling the large volume of equipment required to fully envelop the building’s footprint. Creating a seamless coordination timeline was crucial to minimising the risk of unnecessary downtime and helped the client adhere to their tight schedule. It also ensured that all equipment supplied to the site was used optimally, avoiding unnecessary hire costs and reducing the need for a large on-site storage area. This was important because limited storage space could have impacted the storage of other essential building materials needed for the large-scale construction project aimed at revitalising a former derelict gap site near the city centre.

Constructed from high-grade steel, the Kwikstage modular system is sturdy enough to support the heavy weight of pallets containing bricks stored in the integrated loading bay towers before their distribution to designated laying areas. This benefit keeps platforms clear and allows workers to move freely across elevated sections, enabling them to perform their tasks efficiently and safely.

Kwikstage is also well-suited for fast-paced construction projects, requiring fewer workers and less specialised skill when compared to other scaffolding systems. This advantage significantly reduces labour costs associated with erection, dismantling, and any necessary sequenced adjustments.

Enigma exclusively uses genuine Kwikstage products manufactured by the organisation. The product and its manufacturing process have been audited and fully comply with the NASC Code of Practice for Scaffold Systems, having been tested and analysed according to EN 12810 and EN 12811 standards, for complete peace of mind.