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Reading Berkshire

Reading Berkshire

Dec 15, 2025

Case Study

Reading, Berkshire

Urgent Chiller Repair After Critical Failure in a Multi-Storey Office

Stadium Support Services were called to site following a chiller fault affecting cooling for a ten-storey office building. Our team identified a critical failure and acted quickly to restore full operation during peak summer temperatures.


The Challenge

Upon inspection, the chiller was found to be empty of refrigerant, meaning it had been operating under atmospheric contamination for some time. If left unresolved, this could have caused significant and costly damage to the system.
Further investigation revealed blown high-pressure PRVs and multiple test points showing the chiller had been running on high pressure. The internal coil racks were also heavily choked with dust, restricting ventilation and likely contributing to the failure.

 

Scope of Work

Given the heatwave and the urgency of restoring cooling to the building, this project was given immediate priority. Non-critical PPM tasks were rescheduled to free capacity for a rapid response.

Our team supplied and installed replacement PRVs and core driers, carried out a full PLT (pressure leak test), performed a chemical clean of the coils, and recharged the system with virgin refrigerant gas.

Within five days, the team returned for quality checks to confirm that both circuits were operating correctly. The client reported that the building was fully cooled, with all systems restored to efficient performance.

 

“Stadium Support Services reacted fast, resolved the fault and restored cooling within days during peak temperatures. Their communication and technical knowledge were excellent throughout.”

– Chris Kavanagh, Regional Facilities Manager

SQM

2
operational circuits restored

10 story

office building

Hours

5 days
to completion

Hours

0 downtime
post-repair

Weeke Retail Park, Winchester

Weeke Retail Park, Winchester

Jul 25, 2025

Case Study

Weeke Retail Park, Winchester 

Weeke Retail Park, Winchester

Step Subsidence & Brickwork Repair

Stadium Support Services was called to site following reports of step subsidence and trip hazards affecting public access. Concerns were raised regarding below-ground conditions and the possibility of an underground leak. Our investigation revealed a series of structural and installation issues that required immediate remedial work to ensure long-term safety and stability.

The Challenge

The client raised concerns after noticing that the external steps were subsiding, creating trip hazards and posing a safety risk. There were suspicions of a possible underground water leak causing ground movement.

The top landing area appeared uneven and unstable, raising concerns about long-term integrity. Around the building’s lower perimeter, brickwork was also deteriorating — likely caused by frost damage — and required inspection and repair

Scope of Work

  • Investigate the suspected water leak and ground instability
  • Remove all affected steps and paving slabs
  • Reinforce the sub-structure and tie into the existing stair system
  • Repoint frost-damaged brickwork across ground level elevations

The Solution

No leak was found during inspection. However, it became clear the step plinth had been installed with no connection to the original stair structure.

The supporting base was hollow, with no reinforcement, and the upper landing had been filled using soft sand rather than a stable sub-base. Over time, rainwater had eroded this layer, leading to step movement and instability.

To resolve the issue:

  • All steps and slabs were removed
  • The void was filled with poured concrete to create a solid base
  • A new structural tie connected the plinth to the main stair structure
  • Steps and slabs were reinstalled using compacted hardcore and correct sub-base
  • Exclusion zones were maintained until fully cured

Frost-damaged brickwork was also repointed around the perimeter up to 1 metre high, where weather exposure had caused deterioration.

“The team at Stadium Support Services acted quickly and professionally to resolve what could have become a major safety issue. Their attention to detail, clear reporting and effective delivery gave us confidence throughout.” 

Steps Dismantled

Cleaning area for connection

Filling void

Steps and slabs re-laid

Steps re-laid now fully supported

Steps wall pointed

Liquid

0
 active leaks found

1m
repointing completed

Hours

8
technicians

Hours

5
days to completion

Coventry Building Society Arena

Coventry Building Society Arena

May 21, 2025

Case Study

Coventry Building Society Arena

Coventry Building Society Arena

Stadium Superstructure Coating & Clean

Stadium Support Services delivered two specialist access projects at the CBS Arena in Coventry. The first involved the application of protective coatings to internal and external structural steelwork, while the second focused on cleaning the arena’s external cantilevered superstructure. 

The Challenge

The CBS Arena features hard-to-reach areas, both internally and externally. Our team had to couple rope access and MEWP expertise with specialist ICATS-accredited painters to carry out structural coatings. Live events, high footfall areas and tight scheduling added complexity, requiring a responsive approach. High-level cleaning of the external superstructure presented further challenges, needing a safe blend of rope access and a 57m MEWP while maintaining operations at ground level.

Scope of Work
  • Surface preparation ST3 standard via pneumatic and rotary tools
  • Internal coatings undercroft steel across 7 sections
  • External coatings superstructure areas, cleaned and repainted
  • Coating system approved primer, intermediate and topcoat system
  • MEWP deployment 57m boom used for high-level works
  • Water-fed cleaning ground-fed supply to rope access and MEWP teams
  • Coordination works timed around public use and stadium operations
  • Access strategy rope access, PASMA towers and fall arrest systems

 The Solution

Our multi-access teams used a combination of rope access, MEWPs, PASMA towers and temporary fall arrest systems to safely reach all areas of the internal undercroft and external superstructure. Steelwork was prepared to ST3 standard, feathered back and fully recoated using an approved three-part protective system. Cleaning teams used abrasive brushes and ground-fed water lines to deep clean high-level steelwork with minimal disruption. Thanks to strong planning and a flexible on-site presence, both projects were completed safely and within the required timeframe.
“The team at Stadium Support Services did a great job on the CBS Arena. Their knowledge and experience of specialist access meant there was minimal disruption to our operations. The entire process was handled safely and efficiently. We were impressed with their attention to detail and the professionalism of their technicians.”
Alan Pickering, Head of Facilities, CBS Arena

Hours

2,800sqm
steel painted

Hours

10 weeks
 to completion

SQM

60m
working at height

Bradford City AFC

Bradford City AFC

Nov 27, 2024

Case Study

Bradford City AFC, University of Bradford Stadium

Bradford City AFC, University of
Bradford Stadium

Club Shop Roof Replacement

 As the official projects partner for Bradford City AFC, we were tasked with resolving significant issues in the club shop roof, which had deteriorated and developed extensive leaks. A thorough inspection confirmed the need for a complete rebuild to ensure a durable, weather-tight solution.

The Challenge

The roof project presented several challenges. Lifting the existing roof revealed extensive pooling in certain areas, a result of sealant failure and ageing. The structure’s deterioration made a full rebuild unavoidable. The decision was made to strip back the old roof and install a new apex roof to resolve all underlying issues with a more durable and reliable solution.

The Solution

The team undertook a comprehensive rebuild of the roof, which included installing new timbers, upgrading insulation, applying new boarding and re-felting. The new apex design was chosen for its improved durability while preventing any further water pooling.
The project was delivered as a complete turnkey solution, with all aspects managed by the team at Stadium Support Services. The team liaised with the local council to secure permits, coordinated scaffolding and oversaw the roof replacement from design to completion. Thanks to favourable weather conditions, the project was completed ahead of schedule, reducing the timeline from six weeks to four.
“The team’s expertise and efficiency exceeded expectations. The new apex roof is a significant upgrade and was delivered ahead of schedule. We’re thrilled with the result and grateful for the professional approach throughout.”
Paula Watson, Director of Operations, Bradford City AFC

Hours

2000 linear metres
 of timber

Hours

4 weeks
 to completion

SQM

400m2
roof area

QPR, Loftus Road, London

QPR, Loftus Road, London

Sep 27, 2023

Case Study

QPR,  Loftus Road, London

QPR, Loftus Road, London

Facilities Management Contract
Stadium Support Services wins 4-year FM contract with championship club.

Scope | total facilities management contract 

Under the terms of the contract, we provide a comprehensive range of essential services to both the stadium and training ground. This includes reactive maintenance, PPMs, matchday logistics, cap-ex projects and consultancy. 

We have earned a reputation for expertise, reliability and attention to detail after working closely with QPR for the past four years on various cap-ex and maintenance projects. 

The new contract encompasses the management and maintenance of facilities at both Loftus Road Stadium and the new state-of-the-art training ground, serving as a testament to the strong relationship we have built with QPR over these years. 

Compliance | responsibility includes ensuring compliance at both sites. 

We have implemented a CAFM system to efficiently track reactive works, schedule maintenance tasks and maintain clear visibility of upcoming servicing requirements, ensuring that the club consistently complies with statutory regulations. 

All assets are tagged following a comprehensive asset verification process. They are stickered with QR codes that are easily scanned to pull up relevant information, such as service history.  The CAFM system provides the club with a dashboard to view site compliance and outstanding jobs in real time. We are also responsible for overseeing annual structural surveys and the barrier risk assessment. 

Cap-Ex Projects | in-house multi-skilled projects team. 

Recent projects delivered include:

      • Toilets Refurbishment – reconfigured to increase capacity within the existing footprint 
      • Media Lounge Fit Out – upgraded lounge with acoustic panelling & bespoke media desk 
      • Anti-Slip – installation of aluminum checker plate stair-nosing within the seating bowl 
      • Home Team Dressing Room – complete refurbishment including tunnel & dugout 
      • Kitchen Serveries – bespoke units built with inset catering equipment at training ground

SPONSORSHIP | as a business headquartered in West London with close ties to the local community, we were keen to show our support for the club. 

We are thrilled to have recently agreed to a five-figure sponsorship deal with QPR, which allows us to have matchday visibility around the stadium, as well as the creation of the Stadium Support Services Lounge for us to entertain prospective clients. We are also a proud member of the associate partner program.

“Stadium Support Services are a trusted partner of the club having time and again demonstrated to us their commitment and quality of work when delivering complex projects. We look forward to the continued provision of high-quality service to our supporters, staff and visitors.”


Joshua Scott, Head of Operations, QPR 

 

 

Stadium Support Services Lounge
Anti-Slip Branded Stair-Nosing
Media Lounge
Matchday Logistics
Toilet Upgrades
Bespoke Kitchen Servery
Hours

1,784 Assets verified

Hours

18,436
Stadium capacity

Paint

350 Reactive tasks PCM

LED Light

125 PPM tasks PCM