| Introduction:
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink is part of the iconic Grade II listed North London Alexandra Palace complex, otherwise known as ‘the Peoples Palace’. The Palace originally installed the Ice Rink in 1990, the building complex then became listed by English Heritage five years later in 1995. Following twenty years of use the Ice Rink had suffered a mechanical & structural failure resulting in significant ground heave as the Ice Rink support slab fractured creating a damaged, sloping and unsafe skating surface.
The Challenge:
To deliver a replacement Ice Rink and facilities to International standards and reputation. The project was procured by The London Borough of Haringey on a Design & Build basis. The full extent of damage to the sub structure soon became apparent from soil surveys that revealed permafrost to a depth of 7 metres. Lengard worked closely with our structural partners Furness Partnership, proposing the Ice Rink be supported with 80 concrete piles varying in depths from 10-22 metres to punch through the permafrost layer and provide firm foundations that would prevent ground heave again even in the event of mechanical failure.
The challenges were numerous: the programme kept tight to maximise the Ice Rink’s winter season, the logistics of removing spoil and bringing material into the Ice Rink complicated with access only through one set of internal doors: a 300mm thick 600 m3 concrete slab having to be pumped horizontally 150m to strict performance & workability tolerances.
The Ice rink specialist plant was procured through a specialist Ice Rink Contractor, manufactured to specification in Canada and shipped and transport to Alexandra Palace having cleared United Kingdom customs procedures. The Ice Rink was constructed to the International Hockey Federation’s requirements.
In addition we also refurbished the players changing rooms, toilet blocks and viewing galleries.
How Lengard Overcame:
The London Borough if Haringey granted a suitable extension of time to undertake the structural piling, whilst our Project Management team procured the Ice Rink refrigerant plant. Through close working, positive and proactive supply management, monthly core group meeting involving all stakeholders, key milestones were agreed and closely monitored. Lengard appointed a specialist Ice Rink Contractor which provided the expertise to successfully undertake every aspect of the Ice Rink commissioning. |
