Developers raise the roof as new venue the Hydro really takes shape

May 10 2012 By Ben Spencer

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AN ENORMOUS 330-ton central roof section was lifted into place at a new entertainment arena being built near the Clyde.

It took five days to lift the 48-metre diameter section into position at The Hydro, next to the SECC.

The purpose-built, 12,000-capacity entertainment venue will host around 140 events a year when it opens in September 2013.

Over the five days, the steel section was lifted up a temporary tower by eight hydraulic jacks at a maximum rate of five metres an hour. It was fixed in place on Friday.

The building, designed by Foster + Partners, is being constructed by Lend Lease.

Lend Lease executive general manager Gordon Anderson said: “This is the most complex feat of engineering in Scotland this year and is a major step forward in The Hydro’s construction process.

“The next step involves the positioning of 16 roof segments between the perimeter of the building and the central section.

“These 36-metre-long segments have been assembled in the SECC car park over recent weeks and are now ready to be put in place.

“Once they are in place, the tower can be removed and the roof will support its own weight.”

The Hydro will be an extra venue for the SECC. SECC chief executive John Sharkey said: “We are delighted to reach this milestone in the construction of The Hydro.

“It has been a complex procedure and represents a great achievement by Lend Lease and the project team and we congratulate them.

“We look forward to watching The Hydro as it evolves into Scotland’s home of live entertainment and the perfect place for future audiences to also enjoy raising the roof.”

The Hydro is sponsored by energy company Scottish Hydro.