Olympic stadium roof paint contract awarded

The contract to supply protective coatings to one of the UK’s most famous sporting venues has been awarded to Sherwin-Williams.

The company’s Protective & Marine Coatings Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) division will supply coatings for the striking new roof reconfiguration works to the former London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Once complete, the roof will be twice its original size to allow all-weather protection for sports spectators, and improved acoustics for concerts. A combination of solid and transparent roof coverings will allow natural light to shine through.

The cantilevered roof, measuring 84m at its deepest point, will be the longest of its type in the world, and will cover every seat at the 60,000 capacity venue.

Work has started on site, and is scheduled to be complete during 2015 to host five matches of Rugby World Cup later this year. West Ham United FC will relocate from its present home in Upton Park to the reconfigured stadium as from summer 2016.

Working on behalf of main contractor Balfour Beatty, the roof steelwork is being fabricated and painted by William Hare, and it is estimated that more than 50,000 litres of Sherwin-Williams coatings will be required.

Sherwin-Williams is supplying 40,000 litres of Epigrip C400V3 multi-functional epoxy zinc phosphate coating, and 12,000 litres of Resistex C237 sheen finish.

Sherwin-Williams’ regional business manager, UK and Ireland, Leigh Hyde said: “The plans for the former Olympic stadium roof are truly spectacular. We worked closely with William Hare to specify the best product for this work, and Epigrip and Resistex were the chosen solution because of their tried-and-tested protection capabilities.”