Litestructures & Lift Turn Move play an important role in Manchester Central redevelopment

2010-06-07

Following a competitive tender process, Litestructures, one of the leading specialists in creative aluminium structures and LTM were commissioned to supply a staging, rigging and lifting/ control package to Manchester Central Convention Complex as part of the venues 20 million redevelopment programme.

Manchester Central is one of the UKs most iconic and popular venues and the redevelopment has centered on creating a new and extended foyer area to the iconic Grade ll listed Central Hall. The redevelopment is allied to infrastructure improvements to provide further cohesion to the venues facilities, adding value to clients and to the venues appeal as one of the UKs major convention and exhibition complexes. Key to the Central Hall space development was the implementation of improvements to facilitate the staging of conference and gala functions.

The rigging package, consisted of over 240m of Litestructures LitePro520 trusses, orientated in 6 longitudinal runs down the hall space. These runs can be operated independently for local rigging, or joined laterally using LitePro290-4HD spreader beams, to create a versatile rigging grid.

Litestructures worked with Lift Turn Move (LTM) to specify a computerized hoisting system, with the aim of minimizing working at height within the Central Hall. Utilising 54 LTM Loadguard 1000kg chain hoists to BS7906: Part 1- Category A standard, these hoists allow the grid to move to a number of positions within the hall, without the need for secondary restraint when rigged.

The control system utilizes an LTM configured IBEX positional control and integrated load monitoring system on all hoist locations creating a reliable user interface to embrace the many and varied requirements of users of Manchester Central.

Cabling and mounting infrastructure was installed throughout by Alternative Access, utilising a combination of IRATA abseiling and powered access machinery, in direct liaison with the venue management and electrical contractors.

Manchester Central also required a turn-key staging system, to facilitate every configuration from performance staging, to exhibition areas, to staging rostra. Litestructures LiteDeck fitted the bill perfectly, and through consultation with the venue and events teams, a complete package of 368 LiteDeck, with leg frame, step unit and handrail systems was specified. The modular design and lightweight yet robust construction, ensures that a fast and versatile staging solution will be an offer at Manchester Central for years to come.

Following the tender procedures and extensive design consultation, the manufacture and installation of the systems was completed in a period of just 8 weeks. Handover of the systems was completed with complete user documentation, aimed specifically at ensuring safe and productive use of this cutting edge venue infrastructure, now and in the future.