After three weeks of waiting, the weather finally thawed last Friday and made it possible for the first concrete to be poured on the Grand Pier since the re-build started last September. Concrete was pumped from the shore along the entire length of the waist and contractors were able to create the floor of the 3rd floor plant room and the 250 seater conference room at the front of the second floor overlooking the town.
A relieved Richard Sutton of John Sisk & Co, the Main Contractor said, 'we have been waiting for over three weeks for the weather to break so we could pour the concrete, if it wasn't bad enough having to pump it a quarter of a mile, the inclement weather meant it kept freezing before it got to where we needed it. We are pleased to have finally managed to get it out there and weather permitting, we hope to do another large pour next Wednesday'.
Visitors to the seafront can now see the beginning of a 100-metre long and 20 metre high scaffolding ramp being created in front of the new Pavilion. This is to give access so the roof sheets can be rolled at the shore in one piece and carried along the waist and onto the roof. Each piece is over 80 metres long, this is to ensure that there are no joins that could give rise to troublesome leaks in the future.
They are usually rolled and lifted straight onto the roof but the machine that is used weighs more than 25 tons and cannot be taken onto the Pier so the sheets will have to be carried out and lifted into place by hand. Owner Kerry Michael said, 'this is just one of the many logistical problems we have had to overcome on this project. I can only applaud the way the contractors (John Sisk) continue to overcome the unique challenges that are being thrown at them. Let's hope the worst of the weather is now behind us and we can manage to claw back the lost time'.
For latest images check out our WEBCAM
Become a fan on FACEBOOK
Get tweeting with us on TWITTER
Tuesday 19 January 2010
Friday 8 January 2010
Panoramic Tower Delay
The Panoramic Tower at the Grand Pier won't be ready in time for the re-opening this summer. The deal with the original Italian suppliers fell through and despite sourcing a new supplier, delivery date guarantees were not forthcoming.
Kerry Michael said, 'we have to be open as soon as possible and we are not prepared to risk a delay to the re-opening for the sake of the tower. Therefore, we will open as planned and continue our negotiations with the new manufacturer so that we can have the tower in place for the following season. We are still committed to delivering it as promised but we need to make sure everything is right, for example, the foundations that are already in place were designed for the original tower and are likely to require modification and because the design is slightly different, we may even require an amendment to our planning permission and there is simply not enough time to do this and meet the re-opening date this summer.
Although the current weather conditions are providing their own challenges for us, we are confident that The Grand Pier will re-open on time and we cannot let anything affect that. We will still have 18 brand new rides and attractions for everyone to enjoy and the tower will give us all something to look forward to the following summer season.
For latest images check out our WEBCAM
Become a fan on FACEBOOK
Get tweeting with us on TWITTER
Kerry Michael said, 'we have to be open as soon as possible and we are not prepared to risk a delay to the re-opening for the sake of the tower. Therefore, we will open as planned and continue our negotiations with the new manufacturer so that we can have the tower in place for the following season. We are still committed to delivering it as promised but we need to make sure everything is right, for example, the foundations that are already in place were designed for the original tower and are likely to require modification and because the design is slightly different, we may even require an amendment to our planning permission and there is simply not enough time to do this and meet the re-opening date this summer.
Although the current weather conditions are providing their own challenges for us, we are confident that The Grand Pier will re-open on time and we cannot let anything affect that. We will still have 18 brand new rides and attractions for everyone to enjoy and the tower will give us all something to look forward to the following summer season.
For latest images check out our WEBCAM
Become a fan on FACEBOOK
Get tweeting with us on TWITTER
Tuesday 5 January 2010
On track for summer opening
The Grand Pier rebuild has progressed well over the Christmas period. The steel forming the upper floors has been installed and although not yet waterproof, most of the roof sheeting has also been installed. The general shape of the building and towers is now clearly visible.
Kerry Michael said, "The weather is quite kind to us at the moment without much wind, however the cold weather means that we cannot pour concrete to create the floors. Hopefully if we get a break in the cold weather next week, we can catch up then."
The large floating barge and crane have completed their work and have now left site. The remaining works will be completed using the spud leg barge, although we will probably need the big barge back again to erect the Panoramic Tower when that is delivered.
For latest images check out our WEBCAM
Become a fan on FACEBOOK
Get tweeting with us on TWITTER
Kerry Michael said, "The weather is quite kind to us at the moment without much wind, however the cold weather means that we cannot pour concrete to create the floors. Hopefully if we get a break in the cold weather next week, we can catch up then."
The large floating barge and crane have completed their work and have now left site. The remaining works will be completed using the spud leg barge, although we will probably need the big barge back again to erect the Panoramic Tower when that is delivered.
For latest images check out our WEBCAM
Become a fan on FACEBOOK
Get tweeting with us on TWITTER
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)