Prater helps in redevelopment of London Bridge Station

Prater was specified to help in the London Bridge Station redevelopment. Costain appointed Prater to design, supply and install the pre-cast concrete platforms and roof canopies and bespoke structural glazing package across the platform level, street level and retail areas of the site.

The project has integrated Victorian architecture with 21st century infrastructure in the remodelling of the station, which includes a concourse larger than Wembley Stadium.

Prater used the 3D model of the station supplied and identified the only way to deliver successfully and on time was to unitise the roofing package.

Therefore a full scale constructablility prototype of a 56 long platform section was built in North Yorkshire that was constructed, disassembled and reconstructed to help identify any issues.

A high degree of steelwork was required to be incorporated into the cassettes, along with installed and functional M&E services such as lighting and security cameras, due to the complex geometry and structure of the roofing canopies. The onsite team craned in 1150 individual steel roof cassettes with a margin for error of just 3mm.

As 90% of the cassette manufacture and build was done in a controlled environment and only 10% comprised the installation and fitting of infill panel son site, most of the work was undertaken at or close the ground level – significantly contributing to a robust health and safety strategy.

Two-thirds of the London Bridge concourse was opened as part of phase two in August 2016. The concourse is due for completion in January 2018 and will increase customer capacity by 65% and for the first time will allow passengers to access all platforms from one place. The concourse also provides retail and station facilities.

Gavin Hamblett, Managing Director at Praters says: “the work delivered, truly highlights what can be achieved when the supply chain is engaged early, investment is made into off site construction and there is a commitment to collaboration to help overcome construction challenges.”