Raising the roof at The O2

Working within an existing building, through ingenious engineering we overcame the major challenge of constructing and installing the arena’s 4,500-tonne roof.

One of the world’s premier entertainment venues: the O2 Arena sits inside the former Millennium Dome on London’s Greenwich peninsula.

The team, who had previously worked together on the hugely successful Emirates Stadium, were tasked with developing the vast 23,000 seat arena and its facilities.

With the arena constructed inside the existing structure, raising the roof was a significant challenge. Applying our engineering expertise, we built the structure at ground level before jacking it 40m into position.

We went on to develop the complex’s entertainment district. With multi-screen cinema, bars, restaurants and nightclub, The Waterfront is now a destination in its own right.

Project summary

    • Client: Ansco Dome Arena Ltd
    • Sector: Leisure
    • Value: £131m
    • Region: London
    • Services: Pre-Construction, Construction
    • Completion Date: 2007

Raising the roof

Building and lifting the 4,500-tonne roof was a logistical challenge. Working inside an existing structure, we couldn’t use conventional lifting methods. So the entire roof was built on the ground before being jacked 40m up into position.

Reducing emissions

We reduced travel distances and fuel usage through contracting local labour and businesses where possible.

Sound advice

Early specialist input from our acoustic roof contractor and construction of a full size working sample section ensured the roof met all acoustic requirements before it was lifted into place.

  • The complex process of jacking the O2 Arena’s roof into place
  • Blue seats at O2 Arena
  • Inside the O2 Arena during a major event, showcasing the vast seating capacity.
Aerial View of O2 Arena At Night

Sustainability

Sustainability was built in at every step.

  • The arena’s ice plant made reuse of recovered plant from the nearby London Arena. Piles from the Millennium Dome’s exhibit structures were also reused.
  • The nearby Thames was used for deliveries.
  • Contracting local labour and businesses where possible, we reduced travel distances and fuel usage.

Awards

  1. DECORATIVE

    Challenging Regeneration Project of the Year (2007)

  2. DECORATIVE

    Commercial-Led Regeneration Project of the Year (2007)

  3. DECORATIVE

    Considerate Constructors Scheme Gold Award (2008)

  4. DECORATIVE

    Steelwork by Integrated Team Working (2008)

  5. DECORATIVE

    Best Use of IT in Construction Award (2008)

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    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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  2. Front view of Xscape Milton Keynes at Night

    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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  3. Wentworth Leisure Centre exterior, showcasing the modern mono-pitched roof design.

    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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View all projects
Tags
O2 Arena
London
Sustainability
Construction
Engineering excellence
Building a legacy