A large spectator space at London Stadium has been protected against the elements thanks to a shared commitment by its leading contractors for sustainable development.

Originally built to host the London 2012 Olympics, London Stadium was enhanced for the future thanks to worldwide suppliers of bespoke stadium structures specialist, Arena Seating. The global firm was called on to provide a brand-new viewing platform through the use of The Structure Group’s patented flooring system, with bespoke elements fabricated specifically for the intricacies of the project.

The new platform is part of two stands with a capacity of 7,236 seats and 106 wheelchair positions situated in the North and South of the stadium. The multi-purpose stadium is based at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and is now home to Premier League football club, West Ham United, with a history of hosting unique and memorable sporting and arts events.

Since becoming the London Stadium, it has hosted the 2015 Rugby World Cup, the London 2017 World Athletics Championships, the 2019 Major League Baseball London Series, and big-name performers including The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Guns N’ Roses and Beyoncé. Last month alone, the venue hosted Soccer Aid for UNICEF, Monster Jam, the Hella Mega Tour and two nights of Red Hot Chilli Peppers concerts.

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The platform is in a covered open-air space, so The Structure Group called on its long-standing partners, South East Galvanizers Ltd, to provide a hot dipped galvanized finish on the steelwork and components, ensuring its protection from corrosion and rust.

During the galvanizing process, the structure – which consists of steel flooring panels and a supporting leg system to form a monolithic platform – was dipped in a large bath of molten zinc at 450oc, completely coating the metal inside and out.

Sam Holland, General Manager at The Structure Group, explained: “We were pleased to have supported Arena Event Services Group with the development of such an iconic venue. Sustainability continues to be a major focus across the events and construction industry, and galvanizing helps to increase the lifespan of our steel, reduces the need for future maintenance and downtime, and ensures it remains aesthetically pleasing for visitors for years to come. We have worked with South East Galvanizers for years now, as they always meet our (often) tight deadlines whilst delivering the highest quality of work.”

Over the years, South East Galvanizers and The Structure Group have collaborated on several major projects to preserve and increase the lifespan of steel architecture, including Dubai EXPO 2020, Joshua v Ruiz Clash on the Dunes, and the Great City Games.

Neil Pearson, Commercial Manager at South East Galvanizers said: “Working with The Structure Group is always a pleasure, and we fully understand the service they require to meet their needs, as well as those of their prestigious clients. It is great to know that the galvanizing we do for these projects plays an important role in ensuring the protection of the infrastructure for both the local community and national/international visitors.”

South East Galvanizers is part of Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd, the largest hot-dip galvanizing organisation in the UK with a history dating back over 150 years. With 14 plants strategically placed across the country, the firm offers a truly national galvanizing service.

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