Purpose-built for the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Lee Valley White Water Centre is a world-class venue for white-water rafting, canoeing and kayaking. The site attracts large numbers of visitors year-round and remains an important sporting and leisure destination.

McLoughlin Decorating was appointed by the Authority to carry out the repair and re-decoration to three bridges and multiple railings located around the main white-water course. Over time, the bridges & railings had been subjected to harsh environmental conditions, including continuous water spray, strong currents, and general wear and tear. This resulted in jaded paintwork, flaking coatings and areas of exposed metal showing early signs of rusting.

The project required a highly controlled and safety-focused approach due to the live venue, flowing water and strict environmental protection needs.

Project Management & Safety

A dedicated Site Supervisor, supported by a Site Manager, overseeing day-to-day operations and coordination was assigned to the project.

A team of 10 trained decorators delivered the works. Daily briefings ensured all operatives clearly understood safety expectations, environmental responsibilities and the programme of works. The team followed both the Centre’s safety protocols and McLoughlin Decorating’s own internal Health & Safety Policy throughout.

Site Preparation

• All work zones were fully barriered off to prevent unauthorised access while the venue remained fully operational.
• Advisory signage was installed to ensure visitors and staff were aware of ongoing works.
• Operatives wore life jackets at all times, with strict instructions to avoid edges and under-bridge positions unless secured.
• Short lanyards and harnesses were used where required, particularly on bridge structures and the adjacent grassed areas.

Bridge Protection

To protect the watercourse from contamination, the team implemented a robust containment system:

• Each bridge section was fully wrapped using heavy-duty tarpaulin fixed tightly with ropes, cable ties and tarp poles.
• The protection was installed from one side of the bridge to the other, ensuring no loose edges and complete coverage beneath the structure.
• This system safeguarded the waterway from dust, debris and overspray throughout the entire project.

Surface Preparation & Painting

All works were carried out from the bridge surface only, with no equipment used in or around the water. Activities included:

• Removal of loose and flaking paint from all affected areas.
• Mechanical sanding to create a stable, uniform surface.
• Application of a specialist primer to all prepared metalwork.
• Two full coats of the specified protective finish, suitable for high-moisture, external environments.

A battery-powered vacuum was used continuously during preparation to prevent airborne dust entering the water.

Post-Work Procedures

Tarpaulin and containment systems were removed only once the coating system was applied and stable.

• Barriers and advisory signage remained in place until the paint was fully dry.
• The supervisor carried out final checks to ensure full compliance with safety and environmental requirements.