Martello Tower Restoration - Essex Coast
- Alex Highton
- Sep 22
- 2 min read
Project Type: Rope Access Conservation & Masonry Repairs
Location: Martello Tower, Essex
Sector: Heritage / Public Buildings
Services: Rope Access, Vegetation Removal, Masonry Repointing, Conservation Works
Preserving a Historic Landmark on the Essex Coast
Jaywick Martello Tower is a much-loved heritage site, community hub, and arts venue on the Jaywick Sands coastline near Clacton-on-Sea. Built as one of twenty-nine coastal defences against Napoleon in the 19th century, the tower is now a Grade II listed attraction welcoming visitors for exhibitions, workshops, and events.
To keep this unique landmark safe and presentable, maintenance is required to prevent damage from vegetation growth and weathering. ProAltus were appointed to carry out specialist rope access conservation works on the tower’s upper walls, ensuring preservation while keeping the venue open to the public.
What We Delivered
Working with the site’s management team, ProAltus provided an experienced rope access supervisor and operative to deliver sensitive maintenance works on the historic structure. Tasks included:
Safe vegetation removal from the exposed wall tops
Raking out deteriorated mortar joints to prepare for repairs
Repointing masonry to protect against water ingress and weather damage
Full rope access methodology with heritage-sensitive working practices
All works were carried out in accordance with IRATA standards, with careful tool tethering, exclusion zones, and rescue planning in place to ensure safety for both operatives and visitors.
Tailoring Our Approach to a Heritage Landmark
Conservation projects demand a careful balance between safety, effectiveness, and respect for the site’s history. With no permanent access systems in place, rope access provided the least intrusive method to reach the tower’s wall tops, avoiding the need for scaffolding or heavy equipment that could have disrupted public access or impacted the historic fabric.
Our team worked sensitively to maintain the tower’s appearance while strengthening its resistance to coastal weather conditions. By focusing on preventative maintenance, we helped to reduce the risk of long-term structural issues.
The Result
The project was delivered safely, efficiently, and without disruption to the tower’s day-to-day activities. Vegetation was removed, masonry joints were stabilised, and the overall condition of the wall tops was restored in keeping with conservation best practice.
“ProAltus delivered the works with professionalism and care, ensuring the tower remains safe and welcoming for visitors.” — Site Manager
This project highlights our capability to apply rope access techniques to sensitive heritage sites, ensuring essential maintenance is carried out with minimal impact on both the structure and the community it serves.
Need Rope Access Support for a Heritage Building?
From historic towers to listed façades, ProAltus provides specialist rope access solutions that protect heritage assets while maintaining public access.
Talk to us about your requirements:
01638 781 541
