Worksop Galvanizing Ltd, part of Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd, joined forces with Billington Structures, BDP, and Kier Construction, to complete the state-of-the-art transport project, commissioned by Gloucestershire City Council.
Mark Bingham, Materials Planning, Subcontract Fabrication & Painting Manager at Billington Structures said: “As part of a wider £26 million project set to enhance and advance the transport facilities in Cheltenham town centre, we designed, fabricated, and installed a fully galvanized steel-framed multi-story car park. Not only is it set to boost the sustainable transportation services within the area, but it’s also an architectural highlight – with steel beams and columns left exposed to add an industrial feel to the project (and provide potential scope for future expansion).”
Arle Court Transport Hub measures a whopping 48m wide by 146m long, and its entire frame was fabricated using a total of 1,200 tonnes of steel. It promotes greater sustainable transport options for the town – such as, doubling the available car parking spaces to 1,000, enhancing the existing park-and-ride service, offering additional bus networks, and providing better connections to walking and cycling routes.
“After fabrication was complete, we sought the support of Worksop Galvanizing to futureproof the components ready for erection,” Mark added. “As the structure was exposed to the elements, a robust and durable coating was required to protect it from rust and corrosion for decades to come.”
Housing the largest galvanizing bath in the UK measuring 21m long, Worksop Galvanizing was able to galvanize the 16m steel beams, ensuring they were entirely and completely coated in molten zinc at temperatures around 450C.
Brad Gozzard, Sales Manager at Worksop Galvanizing, concluded: “Galvanizing was the perfect solution for the Arle Court Transport Hub – not only does it look fantastic, but it promises that the steel components will be preserved and protected from corrosion for more than 70 years without maintenance.
“It’s always a pleasure to work with Billington Structures. And with so many moving parts to a project of this size, it was paramount that we all worked together to get it over the line in time to achieve ultimate success. The entire team was a joy to work with, and we’re delighted with the results.”
