A Dorset steel construction firm has played a key part in the development of a football club’s £1m new stand.
John Reid & Sons (REIDsteel) Ltd provided steel design, fabrication and construction expertise for the project at Boreham Wood FC’s Meadow Park ground.
The 130-strong Christchurch company designed and supplied a fully galvanised steel frame – including cladding, terracing and handrails – for the North Stand at the stadium in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.
They worked on the project through main contractor Civils Contracting Ltd of Tonbridge and with HTP Architecture LLP Chartered RIBA Architects, based in Richmond, Surrey.
National League side Boreham Wood FC play their home games at the ground, which is shared with Premier League side Arsenal FC’s Women’s and youth teams.
Sean Burchell, REIDsteel business relationship director, said: “This was our second stand at Boreham Wood FC and the latest in a long line of stadia projects.
“We were delighted to return to the club and provide our expertise to help develop this modern, high-quality facility.
“Boreham Wood FC are a superb club and we hope the new stand will give them the platform to fulfil their ambitions on and off the pitch. It was a pleasure to work with them and all other partners in the project.”
The 1,400 capacity stand – the ‘North Bank’ – is the first covered home end behind the goal at Meadow Park in the club’s 71 year history.
As well as terracing for standing fans the project included disabled facilities, club shop, burger bar, physio room, kit room, executive offices and Premier League standard dressing rooms.
Boreham Wood FC chairman Danny Hunter has driven the project over the past five years.
He said: “The new stand is part of a long term vision to place the club at the heart of the community and boost the local economy.
“The opening day was a proud moment and my thanks go to REIDsteel and all involved in the success of the project.
“I would continue to use Reidsteel in future projects and would certainly recommend them to others.”
Arsenal Women played Barcelona Women in an exhibition match to officially open the stand, with the Spanish side winning 5-2.
The Football Foundation, Arsenal FC and Elstree & Borehamwood Town Council were among the major funders for the project as well as Mr Hunter personally.
REIDsteel’s previous stadia have included the landmark Holte End at Aston Villa FC’s Villa Park as well as stands for Portsmouth FC and Charlton Athletic. Latest projects include the Belize Civic Center in Central America and Maidstone United.
The firm – which celebrates its centenary this year – specialises in providing entire steel frame and building envelope solutions all under one roof.
Thanks to its in-house capabilities and expertise, it is regularly contracted to design, manufacture and supply complete steel structures including the cladding, glazing, louvres and staircases for projects anywhere in the UK, Europe and across the world.
They include bridges, hospitals, sports stadia, disaster resilient buildings, defensive structures, churches, schools, industrial & commercial buildings, warehouses and advanced aircraft hangars.
Visit www.reidsteel.com for more details.