Edinburgh Council selects Base for membrane roof contract for the International Climbing Arena

BRISTOL, U.K. - Oct. 23, 2013 - PRLog -- The tensile fabric roof, comprising 8,500 sqm of material, spans the impressive Edinburgh International Climbing Arena that is built into a quarry and features the famous aerial assault course towering 30m above ground level.

Base Structures has been contracted to engineer, fabricate and install the replacement roof, together with any necessary ancillary metalwork.

The fabric detailing will ensure it reaches the optimum lifespan for the fabric, with Base specifying a more modern PVC membrane, Mehler TS400 - Crystal, which has a translucency of 40% and a higher tensile strength.

The contract will also include some strengthening work on the existing roof steel, working with structural engineering firm, Will Rudd Davidson.

The centre will remain open for the duration of the works and completion is due in December.

“The specified lifespan of tensile fabric is only valid if the detailing and finishing that goes into tensioning the final structure is up to scratch,” said Mark Smith, head of projects at Base Structures. “With more than 1,500 structures under our belts and a highly specialist team we pride ourselves on the quality of our service and delivering exactly what we promise to our clients.”

He added, “our rope access team are straining at the leash to get their teeth into this project and no doubt there will be a speed climb competition involved during downtime!”

“The replacement of the roof at EICA - Ratho will ensure the arena continues to operate at the highest level, suitable for international climbing competitions,” said councillor Richard Lewis, culture & sport convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, who is funding the EICA project. “We look forward to working with Base’ specialist team to ensure the project is a success, delivered on time and on budget.”

“The EICA is used for recreational climbing and elite competitions, but it also has an important role for the local community as it hosts a wide range of sporting activities from gym and fitness classes to soft play for children,” said Graeme Gardiner, director of operations at Edinburgh Leisure. “Visits have increased by over 35% over the past three years and upgrading the centre is important to support continued growth.”

For further examples of Base’ portfolio please visit www.basestructures.com/projects and for images, contact Base’ press office on +44 (0) 117 971 2229.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Base Structures Ltd
Founded in 2001, Base Structures is a specialist sub contractor offering a one stop shop for the design, manufacture and installation of tensile fabric structures.

Operating worldwide, Base has 50 staff and £5million turnover. Notable client projects include London 2012 Games sporting venues, Up at The O2, Heathrow Terminal 5, Eden Project and the Mound Stand at Lords Cricket Ground.

Services include bespoke exterior and interior fabric structures, rigging plus a range of pre-designed tensile fabric products, as well as zoo mesh enclosures and the new TEXO® fabric framing system.

For media enquiries, please contact Lucinda Brook at +44 (0) 7906 340138 or email

For further information visit www.basestructures.com