20.10.15
Prater extends steel works contract on London Bridge redevelopment
Specialist contractor Prater will extend its participation in the redevelopment of London Bridge station after being re-appointed by lead contractor Costain yesterday (19 October).
The steel subcontractor will now install a glazing package across the platform level, street level and retail areas of the site, building on its previous works already underway at the station.
It will design, engineer and install the bespoke structural glazing system to meet the specifications of the massive redevelopment, with the platform and street level system being installed along the St Thomas Street façade.
In a later phase, it will add a 260sqmt SU72 shopfront glazing screen to the retail area.
The 10-week works on the St Thomas façade is expected to start later in the year ahead of the six-week SU72 installation scheduled for summer 2017.
The subcontractor has been on site since November 2013 carrying out the design, supply and installation of everything from the track-bed up, including the fabrication and installation of the pre-cast concrete platforms and roof canopies with associated high level glazing.
Its managing director, Gavin Hamblett, said: “We are delighted to continue our successful relationship with Costain by delivering further works at the London Bridge redevelopment.
“We are extremely proud to once again contribute to the development of a London landmark with our expert design and engineering services.”
The extensive redevelopment work at the station is a vital part of the ongoing government-sponsored £6.5bn Thameslink project.
Lead contractor Costain won the Network Rail contract to help increase the station’s capacity and make it fit for 21st century traveller as well as unclogging existing bottlenecks to enable more frequent services.
The scope of the contract included the removal of the existing roof, the complete demolition of all the platforms and the formation of a new concourse at ground level that will be the size of the pitch at Wembley Stadium.
The redevelopment of the station, combined with a better signalling system (ATO over ETCS, with traffic management), will also allow Govia Thameslink Railway to run 24 new Class 700 Desiro City trains per hour through the Thameslink core in central London.
RTM has previously spoken to the project’s delivery director, Clive Loosemore, about the ongoing works in 2014, including further details about demolition works, canopies and the logistics of the programme.