Events venue takes shape at Bluewater

Work is progressing on schedule on the £60M Bluewater Events Venue in North Kent. The steel framed structure, being constructed adjacent to one of Europe’s leading retail destinations, is expected to further stimulate the regeneration of the area.

Working on behalf of Lend Lease and BAM Constuct, Robinson Steel Structures will ultimately erect 2,250t of structural steelwork for the project.

Designed by Denton Corker Marshall, the 5,200m² venue is centred around a 3,000m² plaza and will also include 4,000m² of catering/restaurant space as well as a number of new stores.

To form the main open plan auditorium space Robinson has erected a series of 20m-long roof trusses. These were delivered to site in three sections, assembled on the ground before being lifted into place by two mobile cranes.

The majority of the trusses have been painted black as they will remain exposed as architectural features.

The final piece of steel erection involves the feature ‘bullnose’ roof area. This part of the roof curves and bends inwards and forms the canopy over the main road access point. Here Robinson is erecting pre-cambered steel ribs which will eventually support the structure’s green sustainable roof.