Delivering the structural steelwork for the new Outdoor Covered Market (OCM), library, and associated basement works as part of the Council’s wider masterplan.
Working in collaboration with Henry Boot Construction, Niemen Architects, and Adept Consulting Engineers, we fabricated and erected approximately 400 tonnes of steel across the development. The scheme centres around a modern, open-plan market structure, designed to provide long clear spans for flexible trading space, alongside a three-storey steel-framed library that will serve as a new community hub.
A key element of the project involved strengthening the existing basement columns to accommodate increased loads from the new structures. This was achieved through the installation of additional steel sections and grillage systems, allowing the new steel frame to integrate with the retained concrete slab while maintaining structural integrity.
The Outdoor Covered Market steel frame measures approximately 50m × 43m and reaches 7.5m in height, incorporating an irregular grid to align with the existing substructure. The design includes skylights and natural ventilation features to create a bright, welcoming environment for traders and visitors.
Alongside the market, the new library structure wraps around two elevations in an L-shaped, three-storey steel frame, providing space for public facilities, offices, and community use.
With the primary steelwork now complete, only the Indoor Covered Market phase remains as the final stage of Hambleton Steel’s involvement. Once finished, the £40m regeneration scheme will deliver revitalised market facilities, a new food hub, enhanced public spaces, and a state-of-the-art library, supporting economic growth and creating a vibrant destination for the local community.
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Earning industry experience and a qualification has been invaluable. Not every opportunity gives you on-the-job experience and I've found that this has really helped my development
One of the reasons I chose an apprenticeship was because I could earn and learn at the same time. Working at Hambleton Steel has provided me with day-to-day training and experience which has helped me understand the industry and business.
Working with Hambleton Steel on Manchester City Campus College was an enjoyable experience for ourselves and the wider design team. Hambleton brought their knowledge and skill by collaboratively working with the whole team from RIBA Stages 2/3 until completion by problem solving, giving advise on buildability and bringing efficiencies to the design to ensure it maintained within budget.
They’ve done a cracking job on here for us and I personally would have no hesitation in using them again.
Pleasure working with you and your team, and great turnround on the scheme and a good finished product with no major issues on site along with a final account agreed, cant do much better than that. Happy to put you forward where we can and would definitely work with yourselves again.
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