Premier Construction Magazine Issue 21-1- Click Here!
Dear readers,
Welcome to the latest edition of Premier Construction magazine.
In this month’s issue we take a look at the Whalley Hydro project which has recently reached completion in Lancashire; and we head over to Birmingham to take a peek at the new-look Barclaycard Arena. The Whalley Hydro project – which officially reached completion in November – comprised the construction of a 100kW hydro installation at Whalley Weir on the River Calder.
The project has the capability of generating on average 345,000 kWh of electricity each year and will provide power for up to 90 homes. Spaans Babcock Ltd – a leading contractor in the hydro power industry – and William Pye Limited – a civil engineering specialist – were instrumental in ensuring the project’s success. Spaans Babcock Ltd was initially appointed on the project by WCH to do the pre-feasibility study, which subsequently led to the company providing a full turnkey solution. Spaans Babcock Ltd has more than a hundred years’ experience in designing and building water treatment facilities, whilst William Pye Limited is a third-generation company based in the North West. Now that the facility is operational, the electricity produced is being exported to the National Grid and has been a great success for all involved.
Meanwhile, situated in the heart of Birmingham City centre, the Barclaycard Arena – formerly the National Indoor Area (NIA) – is one of the busiest and most loved large-scale indoor sporting and entertainment venues in Europe. Keen to keep the arena at the forefront of the entertainment industry a £26 million makeover has recently been implemented, designed to refurbish, enhance and improve facilities. Project management specialist, Novus Alliance Ltd, is overseeing the project, which incorporates a mix of new build with improvements to existing areas of the building and the project is currently on course for an early finish. The project has been divided into phases, with the largest of the phases comprising the construction of a four-storey extension to the front of the building.
This is a south-east facing extension and includes approximately 1,500sq metres of curtain walling, giving in the region of 5,000 sq metres of additional space from what was previously provided at the arena.
Managing Director of Novus Alliance Ltd, Chris Hill, said: “This is an iconic building in the centre of Birmingham, so to be delivering the project early and within budget is a great success.”
With all this and more, join us as we continue to explore the beautiful developments that shape our landscape.
Alex