- Project: Chester Cathedral Pilgrim Porch
- Principal Contractor: CB Arts Ltd
- Consulting Engineer: Bleasdale Wand
- Project Lead: Chris Carter, Structural Support Director
- Key Benefit: Easily assembled lifting gantry support towers in a sensitive grade 1 listed building
Introduction
As part of preparation works for the unveiling of a new sculptural bronze arch at Chester Cathedral, MGF’s Structural Support team collaborated closely with contractor CB Arts to ensure a safe and effective solution to install the permanent artwork.
Designed by Artist Stephen Broadbent as part of the exciting ‘Pilgrim Porch’ project the bronze arch features ceremonial etched glass doors and will now remain open to the city, giving visitors the opportunity to step into the porch and the opportunity to experience the Cathedrals medieval interior.
The Solution
MGF’s UniShore Light modular propping system was an ideal solution for this project in combination with our UniShore tension bracing system, that was used to brace the towers and create a lifting gantry. This provided support to the lifting beams that were used to move the arch from a horizontal to vertical position and then into its permanent position.
The arch was constructed from bronze, so it was essential that extra care was taken whilst moving it through the existing west door and into the grade 1 listed building.
The cathedral has many historic stone features that also needed to be protected in and around the area as works took place.
This UniShore system has the benefit of being lightweight meaning that the components could be easily built up by hand once inside the cathedral and that plant requirements and costs could be kept to a minimum.
The Verdict
MGF were successful in providing a stable support solution that allowed the fragile installation works of the permanent sculpture to take place and be
completed in time for the opening which was part of Queens Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
