Key contracts have been awarded by Arqiva, the company which operates the Bilsdale Mast, for the construction of the new 300 metre permanent replacement mast.
A major part of the project to build a new mast, project value in excess of £30m, is the specialist fabrication of the steel will be undertaken by North Yorkshire based Severfield plc.
Severfield plc is one of the UK’s leading structural steel experts. The company is located at the Dalton Airfield Industrial Estate near Thirsk and has worked on iconic projects including the 2012 Olympic Stadium, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, Manchester and Birmingham railway stations and The London Shard.
The company will work in conjunction with Arqiva’s lead contractor for the project, Waldon Telecom, which is part of M Group Services.
Paul Donovan, Chief Executive of Arqiva, said: “The permanent, replacement mast will eventually see full TV and radio services restored to homes across the region. The build is both an enormous investment and one of the most challenging engineering projects in the UK this year. The new mast will reach almost the height of The Shard in London, making it one of the country’s tallest structures.
“It is extremely important that the North Yorkshire economy benefits from the construction of the new Bilsdale Mast, and we have ensured that our main contractor engaged regional partners, like Severfield, when possible.
“The expert fabrication of the steel is of critical importance to the project and represents a very large proportion of our financial commitment. I am delighted that a respected and local company, Severfield, will be undertaking this.”
Rob Evans, Divisional Managing Director for Severfield Commercial & Industrial, added: “Our involvement in the Bilsdale Mast project is of significant importance to us, as it will be of great benefit to the local community around our head office site in Thirsk, restoring television and radio services to the area. Our team of top-class engineers and fabrication experts from our sites across the north of England, are committed to making sure the tight timescales are met and we are delighted to be working in partnership with Arqiva and Waldon Telecom on this iconic engineering project.”
Donnie Whyte, M Group Services Telecom Division Commercial Director, said: “We are pleased to be working with Arqiva, Severfield and other local partners to deliver this complex engineering project on time. We are including local contractors, bringing employment to the area for the duration of this project. Waldon Telecom, which is part of M Group Services, provides specialist acquisition, design and construction services to broadcasting and mobile clients.”
Kevin Hollinrake MP for Thirsk and Malton said: “Giving this contract to a local company near Thirsk which is an expert in its field keeps jobs here. To me it is amazing we do something like this in the UK. The factory is huge and it’s even more amazing that it’s in my constituency so it’s really important we support those jobs by giving them to local experts like Severfield.”
