Purlins – Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol

voestalpine Metsec played a key role in the £45m transformation of Ashton Gate Stadium, supplying CE-marked purlins and side rails across all three redevelopment phases. Certified to the highest Execution Class 4 standard, voestalpine Metsec’s solutions helped deliver a safe, high-performance, 27,000-seat venue built for long-term durability and reliability.

Specialist structural steel manufacturer, voestalpine Metsec plc, supported the £45m upgrade of Ashton Gate Stadium, which is home to Bristol City Football Club and Bristol Rugby Club, to transform it into a state-of-the-art stadium that can hold 27,000 people. voestalpine Metsec supplied its specialised, rolled to order, steel purlins and side rails that have been CE marked under the Construction Products Regulation in order to meet the requirements of this Execution Class 4 development.

The transformation project, was separated into three phases so that work can be carried out on the Wedlock, Dolman and Williams stands. Phase one saw the 86-year-old Wedlock Stand demolished and now includes new conference facilities, administration offices and a cafe. The second phase was the redevelopment of the Dolman Stand to showcase the stadium’s new sports bar, as well as one of the UK’s largest sports screens and a Heineken lounge that seats 250 people. The final phase was a complete reconstruction of the Williams Stand, which was replaced with a two-tier stand to hold 11,000.

Having already supplied purlins and side rails to phases one and two of the project, voestalpine Metsec was contracted by the design team at J&D Pierce to work on phase three. The purlins and side rails implemented throughout each phase were designed to provide optimal levels of structural performance in roof, wall and floor constructions.

The Ashton Gate Stadium project is Execution Class 4, which specifies the highest level of quality control required within the fabrication process. voestalpine Metsec’s processes are certified up to this maximum of Execution Class 4, giving the industry absolute assurance that its construction products meet the required standards for any project, whether it’s a warehouse or a football stadium. By using products that are of this standard, Ashton Gate Stadium is confidently able to provide a venue that is safe and aligned to the European construction standard.

Andy Caldwell, Estimating Manager at J&D Pierce, commented: “For such a large scale project that is going to welcome thousands of sporting fans, it is essential that the structure of the regenerated stadium is of the highest standard. This is why we wanted voestalpine Metsec on board, as we know that it is leading the way in terms of lightweight galvanised steel building systems with all its construction products being CE marked.”

Sales Director for voestalpine Metsec’s Purlin Division, commented: “We understand that on every large scale construction project that is going to be hosting a large amount of people at any one time, the structure that is being implemented needs to have longevity for the performance of the stadium and also for safety of personnel. Whilst the Ashton Gate Stadium project was underway, the stadium has remained open meaning that work being carried out has had to be managed in a way that does not affect the overall operation of the site.”

All voestalpine Metsec products for use in construction are CE marked under the Construction Products Regulation, with its processes certified up to EXC4, which is the highest accreditation available. This means voestalpine Metsec can deliver the required standards, regardless of the scale or bespoke nature of a project.

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Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol