John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel) Ltd’s entry for the British Constructional Steelwork Association’s prestigious Structural Steel Design Awards has won through to the final shortlist.

Its development of the UK’s largest dual-cantilever hangar at London Biggin Hill Airport with Civils Contracting Limited was selected following judging earlier this month. The super-hangar will be occupied by aerospace giant Bombardier when completed.

REIDsteel provided the design, drawing, fabrication and installation of the complete steel frame, electrically operated hangar doors and underslung cranes as well as the floor decking, cladding and glazing elements. REIDsteel was one of just two shortlisted projects where the design and fabrication were from the same company.

The advanced maintenance, repair and overhaul hangar has two 160m clear span entrances for servicing aircraft, along with offices and a VIP lounge.

Its design allowed the roof of the hangar area to safely span without support from internal columns to achieve the client’s aspiration for two vast, unobstructed hangar floor spaces of 77,500 sq ft (7,200 sq m) each.

The hangar rubs shoulders with 21 other blue chip projects on the shortlist, including The Tower of Light in Manchester, Britannia Leisure Centre in Hackney, the Lords Cricket Ground development and the Pace Gallery in Hanover Square, London.

Many thanks to all at REIDsteel, Civils and London Biggin Hill Airport for the ‘one team’ approach to gain the nomination.

Congratulations to all of the finalists too – we’re looking forward to hearing the winners announced at the awards night on September 29.