Industry news
McLaren installs 125-tonne truss on Wrexham’ s Kop redevelopment
McLaren Construction Midlands and North has installed a 125-tonne inverted ribbon truss as part of the redevelopment of Wrexham AFC’ s Kop Stand at the Cae Ras.
The principal contractor worked with structural steel specialist J & D Pierce Contracts to plan and deliver the installation, which involved assembling the truss from five sections before lifting it into position using specialist lifting equipment and temporary support structures.
125-tonne truss lifted into position at Cae Ras
The truss installation followed months of engineering and logistical planning involving McLaren Construction, J & D Pierce Contracts, specialist lifting contractors, independent checking engineers and Network Rail.
The five steel sections were delivered to site before being assembled and lifted into position during a sequenced operation. Two purpose-designed temporary towers are supporting the truss while the surrounding permanent roof steelwork is completed. It will remain supported until the roof structure is fully connected, before being de-jacked into its final structural position.
Gary Cramp, Managing Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said:“ The successful installation of the ribbon truss represents one of the most significant engineering achievements of the project to date.
“ While supporters can clearly see the stand taking shape, what sits behind this milestone is months of detailed planning, engineering expertise and close collaboration across the entire project team.”
Stadium steelwork package exceeds 1,500 tonnes
The structural steel programme includes more than 1,500 tonnes of steel, secured with more than 31,000 structural bolts, over 16,000 fabricated fittings and more than 500 holding-down bolts.
The main concourse steelwork, stair and lift cores are now complete, while work has also progressed on the upper concrete decks and precast terracing.
The steel frame has been designed for construction within the constrained footprint of the new Kop Stand and the live city-centre site.
The steelwork package also includes the stand’ s dolphin beams, which were fabricated and intumescent coated off-site before being transported to Wrexham for installation. The beams provide the primary support for the upper terracing.
Jamie Pierce, Joint Managing Director at J & D Pierce, said:“ The structural steel package showcases the scale and complexity of modern stadium engineering.
From fabricating more than 1,500 tonnes of structural steel through to assembling and installing the 125-tonne ribbon truss, every element has been carefully planned, manufactured and erected to the highest standards.
“ Successfully completing this lift is a testament to the expertise and collaboration of everyone involved, and we’ re proud to be playing our part in creating what will become an iconic addition to the Cae Ras.”
Internal works progress on new Kop Stand
Construction is also progressing across the wider redevelopment, with all upper floor slabs now complete.
Blockwork to the ground-floor lift shafts and MEP risers is advancing, alongside the early stages of MEP first-fix work to the internal floors.
Further concrete pours will continue as construction progresses, while installation of the precast terrace units is also advancing.
The redevelopment remains scheduled for completion ahead of the 2027 / 28 season.
The completed Kop Stand is planned to restore the Cae Ras to a four-sided stadium, increase capacity to more than 18,000 and achieve UEFA Category 4 compliance.
Michael Williamson, Chief Executive Officer at Wrexham AFC, said:“ The successful lift and installation of the steel truss is a landmark moment for the Club, not only in the construction of the new Kop Stand itself but also for the wider Gateway Project. We are now looking forward to seeing the Kop Stand continue to evolve and take shape over the coming months.”
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