Glasgow was in need of a world-class venue for the 2014 Commonwealth Games that would also contribute to its East End regeneration.

So we set about transforming a brownfield site alongside the River Clyde.

Due to the complex conditions of the venue's riverside location, the first challenge for this construction project was to develop a ground engineering solution to support the buildings.

The venue’s large column-free spaces also presented construction challenges. The colossal 300 tonne roof trusses needed careful planning - to transport, assemble and install.

Thanks to our team’s foresight, in-depth understanding of the construction methodology required and meticulous coordination, the operation ran like clockwork, keeping everyone on site safe and the project on schedule.

As lead contractor, we managed the creation of the entire complex – from arena, velodrome and community sports facilities, to the surrounding landscaping, car parks and access roads.

In the process we made sure the local community benefitted through targeted spending and employment opportunities.

The resulting venue has not only contributed to the local economy, it has become an inspiring symbol of regeneration.

This will not only be a key venue for the Games in 2014 but will be a world-class training facility and competition venue, attracting some of the world’s greatest sporting performers.
Archie Graham Executive Member at Glasgow City Council

Sporting hub

The 5,000-seat arena and 2,000-seat velodrome connect via a ‘hub’ with gym, spa, VIP and media facilities, and offices for sports associations.

Building economies

For every £1 invested in the site, 64p of additional value was created within a 20-mile radius (New Economics Foundation’s Local Multiplier tool ).

Changing lives

More than 180 people new to the industry were employed on the project, 57 of whom were apprentices.

World-class

The floor slabs were constructed to meet the stringent tolerances required for international athletics.

Cranes lifting prefabricated roof truss sections into place at the Emirates Arena

Engineering expertise

After erecting the hub’s concrete frame, we had to construct a 120-tonne steel framework on its roof for the mechanical plant. Logistically, this was a challenge.

Careful crane coordination was needed to position the large scale equipment, much of which needed installing directly into position at roof level on delivery.

Using Building Information Modelling (BIM), we worked out how best to optimise prefabrication and minimise the number of lifts. The resulting efficiencies simplified construction and reduced overall programme.

Large column-free spaces were essential for both velodrome and arena, providing uninterrupted views for spectators. We achieved this through a pair of 93m x 10m roof trusses in each area which arrived on site in prefabricated sections.

To keep everyone safe we minimised work at height. The upper sections of each of the 300 tonne structures were assembled on the ground in two pieces before being lifted into the air to be connected together. These sections were then fixed onto a bottom chord before being lifted into position.

Interface management

With the venues requiring two kilometres of gantries, several kilometres of ventilation ductwork, as well as lighting, PA, fire systems and heating panels, installation of the extensive high level services required exceptional levels of coordination.

With up to seven trades operating at any one time, subcontractors’ work areas were carefully segregated as part of a comprehensive health and safety strategy.

In an operation scheduled down to the last bolt, weekly subcontractor meetings started six months before we started on-site. This enabled our teams to break down activity and develop highly detailed plans and meant services could be safely installed alongside large structural works.

Close-up of the intricate ventilation ductwork installed at the Emirates Arena

The main entrance lobby of the Emirates Arena

Community

The project has had a lasting positive impact on Glasgow and the region’s economy.

We employed local social enterprises for services including site catering and transport.
A high proportion of contracts were awarded to subcontractors and suppliers in the area.
Working alongside subcontractors, we provided training and placements for local school leavers and unemployed people.

Awards

Action for Children

Youthbuild Partnership Award
Considerate Constructors Scheme

Performance Beyond Compliance Certificate

Leisure projects

Transforming Alnwick Garden to its former glory

Our civil engineering and construction capabilities transformed a derelict 12-acre garden within the grounds of Alnwick Castle.

Sectors: Leisure

Region: North East

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Building Xscape in Milton Keynes

Featuring one of the largest real snow ski slopes in the UK, Xscape Milton Keynes was the first of its kind to be built in Europe.

Sectors: Leisure

Region: Midlands

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Refurbishing Wentworth Leisure Centre, Hexham

A modern, sustainable, refurbishment project giving back to the local community.

Sectors: Leisure

Region: North East

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