Museum of Science & Industry – Crane Gantry Conservation, Manchester

The Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) in Manchester is home to some of the UK’s most important industrial heritage. Located adjacent to the Grade II listed Power Hall, the museum’s historic crane gantry is a significant feature of the site. Measuring 15 metres wide and 72 metres long, the gantry is both a working structure and an architectural landmark.

In 2024, urgent conservation was required after the protective coatings, last applied in the 1980s, had deteriorated, leading to widespread corrosion. This corrosion was compromising both the structural integrity and the visual condition of the gantry, posing a long-term risk to the museum’s heritage assets.

The Challenge

The project required balancing structural protection, historical preservation, and aesthetic restoration. Key challenges included:

• Working within a live heritage site with strict conservation requirements.

• Removing deteriorated coatings without causing damage to the underlying steel.

• Selecting a coating system with long-term performance against corrosion, weathering, and pollutants.

• Completing the works with minimal disruption to museum operations and visitor access.

Our Approach

DDS was appointed for our expertise in heritage commercial painting and our proven track record on complex industrial structures.

1. Surface Preparation

We began by safely removing failed coatings and corrosion through controlled methods that complied with heritage and environmental guidelines. This ensured a stable substrate for the new protective system without compromising the original structure.

2. Application of Industrial Coating System

Using advanced airless spraying techniques, we applied a high-performance, industrial-grade paint system designed to deliver:

• Corrosion Resistance – Protecting against moisture, salt spray, industrial pollutants, and UV radiation.

• Durability – Withstanding Manchester’s varied climate and providing a long service life for the coating system.

• Aesthetic Enhancement – Restoring the gantry’s appearance while retaining its historic industrial character.

3. Quality Assurance

All works were completed to strict specification, with multiple inspection stages ensuring the coating thickness, adhesion, and finish met the manufacturer’s requirements and conservation standards.

The Result

The new coating system has provided the crane gantry with durable, long-term protection, safeguarding it against corrosion and extending its operational life. Beyond its functional benefits, the project successfully preserved the gantry’s historic character, ensuring it remains a valuable part of the Museum of Science & Industry’s architectural landscape.

This conservation project reflects DDS’ ability to combine industrial painting expertise with heritage restoration sensitivity, delivering results that protect, enhance, and honour important historic structures.

Specialist heritage painting and industrial coatings you can trust. From listed buildings to large-scale industrial assets, DDS delivers professional painting, decorating, and conservation services across Liverpool, the North West, and UK-wide.

Contact us today to discuss your heritage or industrial restoration project.