SITE bosses of the Bilsdale mast have today announced the signing of a multi-million pound contract to construct a new 300m tall, permanent mast at Bilsdale - set to be completed by the end of the year - with a local steel constructor.
Arqiva, the infrastructure firm responsible for the former Bilsdale mast that went up in flames in August of 2021, has awarded the contract to Thirsk-based steel constructor, Severfield plc.
Read more: This is exactly when a 'mini-heatwave' is set to hit the North East this weekend
The constructor will be responsible for the building of the new permanent structure, which has a project value in excess of £30m.
Arqiva’s CEO Paul Donovan also confirmed today that the Bilsdale mast would be completed by winter this year, an outcome which he said he was “pleased” with.
Severfields, one of the UK’s leading structural steel experts, is based at Dalton Airfield Industrial Estate near Thirsk and has worked on major projects such as the Olympic Stadium and The London Shard.
Today saw the signing of the official contract at the site of Severfield plc, with MP for Thirsk and Malton, Kevin Hollinrake, in attendance.
Mr Hollinrake said it was “great to see that some of this is going to support jobs in the area” and that he was “always very proud” to come to Severfield.
He added: “Another thing is it’s great to see that we can actually do this in the UK and I’m even prouder its in my patch.”
Read more: A688 crash updates LIVE: Road reopens as police issue statement
Mr Donovan said that he was “very satisfied” with the progress made towards the completion of the mast.
He added: “It will be one of Britain’s top 10 tallest structures at 314 metres high, weighing more than 200 tonnes with lots of very complex electronics and equipment that needs to be installed upon it.
“It’s a massive effort, and one which at the moment is on track but as with all things, it is weather dependent because you can only work at a height when wind is below a certain velocity, so we’re hoping for a good summer.”
Mr Donovan continued to stress that it was “extremely important” that the North Yorkshire economy benefits from the construction of the Bilsdale Mast.
Rob Evans, division managing director for Severfield Commercial and Industrial, said that the company’s involvement in the construction of the Bilsdale mast “will be of great benefit to the local community.”
Read more: RECAP: Emergency services on scene of two-vehicle crash on Tyne Bridge as heavy delays
Mr Donovan continued to stress that Arqiva were aiming to cut the time in half of what it would normally take to construct a mast of this size.
------
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated North Yorkshire Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here