Site – Glasgow International Arena / Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome
Description of works – High-Level Flange Replacements & Structural Maintenance
Location – Glasgow
Service Categories – Industrial Rope Access (Working at Height)
The Glasgow International Arena (formerly known as the Emirates Arena) and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome represent the pinnacle of Glasgow’s sporting infrastructure. Maintaining the structural integrity of such flagship venues requires a contractor capable of operating at extreme heights without the use of invasive scaffolding or heavy plant.
The Balmore Group’s specialist rope access division was commissioned to execute high-level flange replacements and critical maintenance across these vast internal and external structures. By utilising advanced rigging techniques, our team provided a rapid, surgical maintenance solution that ensured the venues remained operational and safe for world-class competition.
Project Challenges
The architecture of modern sporting arenas—characterised by massive spans, complex steel trusses, and high-tensile bolts—presents unique maintenance challenges.
Traditional access methods (like MEWPs or scaffolding) are often physically impossible or prohibitively expensive within the bowl of a velodrome or arena. Replacing structural flanges requires “millimeter-perfect” alignment while suspended hundreds of feet in the air.
Works had to be conducted without interfering with the strict training and event schedules of high-performance athletes.
For Balmore Group, the project was about more than just height; it was about delivering engineering precision in an environment where there is no room for error.
Flange Replacement & Structural Fixings
The core of this project involved the replacement of structural flanges—the critical joining points of the building’s skeletal frame.
Key Work Phases
Rigging & Anchoring: Establishing secure, redundant anchor points in accordance with strict IRATA safety protocols.
Removal & Reinstatement: Systematically removing aged or compromised flanges and replacing them with high-specification, corrosion-resistant alternatives.
Torque Testing: Ensuring every bolt and fixing was tightened to the exact Newton-meter (Nm) specifications required by the original structural design.
Reporting: Providing the client with a comprehensive digital “Close-Out Report,” including photographic evidence of every fix for their asset management records.
Specialist Service: Industrial Rope Access (IRATA)
Rope access is the most efficient, safe, and cost-effective method for maintaining large-scale infrastructure. At the Emirates Arena, it allowed our team to reach the “unreachable.”
Our Rope Access Capabilities
Minimal Footprint: Unlike scaffolding, our rope systems can be rigged and de-rigged in hours, leaving the arena floor clear for its intended use.
Structural Integrity Checks: While replacing flanges, our technicians performed visual and tactile inspections of the surrounding steelwork, identifying potential issues before they became costly repairs.
Specialised Tooling: Our operatives utilise tethered high-torque tooling and precision rigging to ensure that heavy components (like steel flanges) are replaced safely while suspended.
Why Rope Access is the Future of Infrastructure
By choosing Balmore Group’s rope access division, the management at the Emirates Arena secured several strategic advantages:
Cost Efficiency: Eliminated the massive overheads associated with full-scale scaffolding or hydraulic platform hire.
Speed of Delivery: Projects that would take weeks using traditional methods were completed in days.
Enhanced Safety: Statistically, IRATA-certified rope access is one of the safest methods of working at height in the construction industry.
Preservation of Venue Aesthetics: No unsightly structures were left in place, maintaining the prestige of Glasgow’s flagship sporting home.
Precision, Performance, Professionalism
There is a symmetry between the athletes who compete in the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and the Balmore technicians who work above them. Both require uncompromising attention to detail, elite-level training, and a focus on high performance.
At Balmore Group, we treat every bolt, every flange, and every fix with the same level of gravity. Our rope access team consists of highly skilled engineers who happen to work on ropes, bringing a level of technical sophistication to the height industry that is second to none.
The Glasgow International Arena and Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome are more than just buildings; they are part of Scotland’s sporting legacy. The Balmore Group is proud to be the trusted partner in ensuring these structures remain at the top of their game.
Does your infrastructure require high-level maintenance?
From stadium roof inspections to high-rise window cleaning and structural repairs, the Balmore Group delivers excellence at any height.
Quotes & Enquiries
At Balmore, we offer the expertise of four decades in difficult access works including roofing, rope access, industrial cleaning and drone inspection services. Our one stop shop approach to inspection, repair and cleaning has grown through our desire to constantly exceed our clients expectations and offer a service that is far superior to our competitors.
Please fill in the form outlining your requirements and our contract team will be able to provide you with a bespoke quotation for your inspection, repair or cleaning needs.
