A leading galvanizing company is playing a major role in the ongoing construction of a futuristic new leisure facility.

Worksop Galvanizing, part of Wedge Group Galvanizing, has galvanized 100 tonnes of structural steel used as part of the framework of a groundbreaking £20 million-plus sports centre in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire.

Known as The Pods, the building consists of five interlinking geodesic domes with diameters spanning 20-50 metres, which appear to join together to form a single roof. The steel was used by engineering firm B & K Structures, to create a core self-supporting frame for each of the domes, where timber beams are held in place by a series of steel cylindrical nodes.

Brandon Stafford, for Derby-based B & K Structures, said: "A self-supporting frame like the one used in The Pods is an extremely complex and intricate design, and it was absolutely essential that the structural steel we used would be safeguarded against rust and corrosion. Having the steel node connections to the five interconnecting domes galvanized ensures it is protected for the long-term.


"This has been a very unusual, but particularly interesting project to be involved with," Paul Robinson, Commercial Manager for Worksop Galvanizing, commented. "Everyone involved has done a terrific job to bring such an innovative idea to life, and I’m sure the sports centre will prove to be a thriving hub for the local community for many years to come."

As well as the innovative, five-dome design, The Pods also incorporates a range of environmentally-friendly measures, with the completed project aiming to achieve the highest BREEAM rating, which is the most widely-used environmental assessment method for buildings and sustainable design. One of the domes has a natural sedum plant roof, which increases insulation whilst reducing rainwater run-off, while the wood used in the frames is specially-engineered Glulam timber – planks of wood that are pressed and glued together to form beams – a less carbon-intensive form of construction than traditional methods.

The new sports centre is based on an adapted architectural concept by Andrew Wright Associates, which was chosen following a RIBA-led international design competition. Set to officially open later this summer, it will include a 25 metre swimming pool, a large gym, a dance studio, a six-court sports hall, and on-site crèche and café facilities.

Wedge Group Galvanizing is one the largest hot dip galvanizing organisation in the UK with a history dating back over 150 years. With 14 plants strategically placed across the country, they offer a truly national galvanizing service.

(KMcA)