Banagher firm makes its mark on Merseyside
The formal opening of the new Everton Football Club stadium at Bramley Moore-Dock on the banks of the River Mersey will be a proud moment for Banagher Precast Concrete.
When it is officially unveiled, the 52,888-seater stadium in the city of Liverpool will boast a significant component contribution from the West Offaly company.
Banagher Precast Concrete has supplied close to 7,000 terracing units towards the stadium's construction, chief among the materials being the provision of 2,238 double terrace units.
Speaking to the Offaly Independent, Caroline Cavanagh, Marketing & Bid Manager, Banagher Precast Concrete, noted that one of the most resounding successes of the project was the refined design of the terracing units.
"Traditionally single-step terracing is used in UK stadia construction but through engineering and intense design modelling Banagher Precast Concrete developed a refined double-step terracing unit for the new Everton Stadium.
"These carbon conscious units were comprised of part recycled materials, aided in the reduction of installation time, eliminated an impressive 2,000 crane lifts on site and saved up to 17 kilometres of mastic sealing," Ms Cavanagh said.
Prior to the decision being made to install double terrace units, the components were put through a rigorous testing process to ensure that they were a suitable feature within the new stadium.
"The units were repeatedly lifted into position and then monitored to ensure they would not fault. After numerous tests the double terracing units were deemed viable and the design incorporated into the overall stadium bowl design," Ms Cavanagh added.
Banagher Precast Concrete was also charged with the provision of additional materials which are now an integral part of the now structurally completed stadium.
Along with the provision of double terracing units Banagher Precast Concrete manufactured a further 4,500 precast elements including bridge beams, stairs, entrance walls to the banks of seating,, raker beam, infill steps and façade panels – all manufactured at the company's West Offaly base and delivered directly to the port in Liverpool where they were stored at the docks and shunted to site as required.
"The new stadium is setting the standard for sustainability, as one of the most environmentally friendly football stadia ever built. Our work on the Everton stadium has resulted in the company being shortlisted in the 'international' category at the Irish Concrete Society Awards taking place March 29, being previously highly commended at the UK Society Concrete Awards," Ms Cavanagh concluded.
Further testament to the success of the company's contribution to the new Everton stadium is that Banagher Precast Concrete are now delivering the new Connaught stands as part of the rugby province's Dexcom Stadium redevelopment and the company is also providing components for the expansion of the North Stand of the Etihad Stadium, the home of reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.
Banagher Precast Concrete collaborated with contractor, international engineering and construction company Laing O'Rourke, to deliver the new Everton stadium.