Steel purlins support Bristol City

Specialist structural steel manufacturer, voestalpine Metsec, is supporting the upgrade of Ashton Gate Stadium, home to Bristol City Football Club and Bristol Rugby Club by supplying steel purlins and side rails.

The construction work, which will be completed in time for the forthcoming 2016/17-football season will transform the stadium into a state-of-the-art ground that can hold 27,000 spectators.

The project, which began in summer 2014, has been carried out three phases, with the initial part consisting of the demolition of the 86-year-old Wedlock Stand and the construction of a new stand.

The second phase was the redevelopment of the Dolman Stand to showcase the stadium’s new sports bar, as well as one of the UK’s largest sports screens and a Heineken lounge that will seat 250 people.

The final phase will be a complete reconstruction of the Williams Stand, which is being replaced with a two-tier stand to hold 11,000 people.

Kevin Jones, Sales Director for Metsec’s Purlin Division, commented: “We understand that on every large-scale construction project that is going to be hosting a large number of people at any one time, the structure that is being built needs to have longevity for the performance of the stadium.

“While the Ashton Gate Stadium project has been under way, the stadium has remained open meaning that work being carried out has had to be managed in a way that does not affect the overall operation of the football ground.”