STEEL work made in Dorset is providing the frame for a multi-million dollar sports stadium in the Central American country of Belize.
Christchurch-based REIDsteel has performed the structural design, drawing work and fabrication for the new national arena in Belize City.
The cutting-edge complex – due for completion in December 2017 – is one of the highest profile projects in the country’s history at a cost of $32.9m Belize Dollars, equivalent to £12.7m.
It will include international standard volleyball and basketball courts, stands, running tracks, a skateboard park, gym and football pitch.
Named the Belize Civic Centre Sports Complex, it will include a FIBA/FIVB basketball and volleyball pro courts, gym facilities and offices as well as being able to accommodate large entertainment concerts and venues under one roof.
The exterior offers the community free access to a sports park that includes a 45-meter running track, a five-on-five football field, various basketball courts and an exterior performance amphitheater.
Made in Steel
Steel construction company REIDsteel has the capability to design, manufacture, ship and erect entire steel buildings including their cladding and or glazing requirements anywhere in the UK and world.
Project engineer Pepe Olivier said: “The new national arena is one of the biggest projects of its kind in Belize and will help transform the country’s sporting and cultural life.
“The contractor turned to us as we have a demonstrable history of exporting to Belize, Central America and the Caribbean.
“Our business model means that we can carry out the structural design, drawing and fabrication under one roof at our Christchurch site before containerising the finished structure for shipping to its destination.
“Demand for this type of service continues to rise from clients worldwide, including many outside of Europe who see the value in a seamless service.”
The structurally optimized steel frame included hot rolled sections hot dip galvanized for protection from the elements and for ease of maintenance, all designed for hurricane wind speeds of 160 miles per hour.
A total of 750 tonnes of steelwork was required for the 39,000 sq ft complex, including a roofing system spanning 200 feet, together with all the terraces for approximately 4000 seats and all the suspended floors consisting of galvanized composite metal decking system suitable for cast-in-situ concrete.
The glazing package including curtain walling and aluminium framed windows were also packed for export and shipped to Belize.
The Government of Belize has funded the sports centre project. It is being developed by Belize Infrastructure Limited and designed by the architects at International Environments (IE) Ltd.
REIDSteel has built stadiums, auditoriums and complexes worldwide, including football, cricket and motorsport arenas.
It has the capacity to design, make and build all elements of stadia from the frame to gangways, entrances, exits, tunnels, terracing, seating, sliding roofs, corporate hospitality boxes and balconies.
REIDsteel’s previous work in Belize has included a hi-tech shrimp processing plant covering 9,000 sq m.
Contact account director James Tourgout on 07827 806400 and james.tourgout@deepsouthmedia.co.uk for more details.
