Footbridge arrives at Gloucester development
A steel structure forming the footbridge connecting the two main buildings of The Forum development has arrived in Gloucester in readiness for its installation.
The completed bridge for the new development has been constructed using modern methods of construction (MMC).
The MMC process focuses on off-site construction techniques to maximise the efficiency of material and human resources.
The Forum is part of the £200m city centre regeneration delivered by Reef in partnership with Gloucester City Council and University of Gloucestershire.
Kier Construction is the main construction team on site, with Novum providing specialist knowledge to ensure the bridge is built to the highest design and safety standards.
The Forum consists of two buildings which will be connected via a footbridge. The 4-star Indigo Hotel, offices and multi-storey car park on Plot 2 will be joined with the offices with gym space on Plot 4.
The steel structure was built and painted at the manufacturing yard by SH Structures in Yorkshire and was transported to The Forum’s offsite storage area in Gloucester in August. Here, the supports and glazed system (windows) were installed.
Peter Langly-Smith, development director at Reef said: “The bridge will provide a stunning focal point for visitors entering the centre, via road or rail. The bridge draws the eye towards the city centre and Gloucester Cathedral, a key part of the city’s heritage, and the inspiration for the façade design.
“Constructing the bridge off-site has had real environmental and construction benefits. Off-site factory construction tends to use less energy and reduce waste. A major element of The Forum’s ethos is to reduce its environmental impact as much as possible. We are pleased that the bridge construction has been part of this work.
“Lifting the bridge into its final position is going to be a real landmark moment for the project, and the city’s regeneration. We look forward to sharing that with Gloucester.”
Richard Cook, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “This represents a significant milestone in the construction of The Forum, a once in lifetime development that will help to transform our city.
“With our partners we are making good progress and The Forum, along with the redevelopment of Kings Square and the revamp of Kings Walk, will help to make Gloucester a city fit for the future.”
Andy Bolas, regional director at Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: “The bridge structure we are providing for The Forum is a real focal point. It has been constructed using modern methods of construction (MMC) which also means we are minimising working at height and decreasing the install time on site.
“The bridge has been built locally which we are really proud of as it means we are supporting our local supply chain and workforce, which is really important to us at Kier.”
The bridge is set to be installed before the end of this year.
