Portal frame for abandoned animals

Work is nearing completion on the Raystede Animal Centre in Lewes, East Sussex. The predominantly steel project features two elements; a traditional portal frame structure accommodating a new equine centre and bespoke architectural dog runs.

The £2M lottery funded extension to the specialist animal welfare centre has been designed by Waterside Architects with A & F Pilbeam as the main contractor. Some 90t of steel is required for the job, of which Albion Sections has provided the cold rolled steel to the equine centre and tensioning tie wire system for the dog runs.

Tom Hughes, Albion Sections Technical Development Manager commented: “The nature of this design has required us to work closely with the steelwork contractor. The unusual bespoke diagonal tie wire system for the dog run consists of 30m security tension wire lengths, installed horizontally in rows of five above fencing enclosing the dog run.”

The additional facilities within the Raystede Animal Centre will aid the charity to house the 1,500 unwanted and abandoned animals that arrive at the centre annually.