Project Background & Challenge
The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways is a premium members’ club inside London’s O2 Arena, boasting panoramic views and a bold architectural feature—a retractable gangway soaring above the arena floor.
Tyne Gangway – sister company to Lift-Rite – was selected to design & fabricate this bespoke aluminium retractable walkway, the first of its kind in a UK arena setting. The design challenge was significant: the walkway had to be lightweight (for movement and retraction), structurally sound for crowd loads, and seamlessly integrate into the building environment.
Once constructed, the walkway was handed over to Lift-Rite, who assumed responsibility for installation, alignment, and subsequent maintenance and inspection.
The key challenge during installation was a narrow time window: the platform had to be installed between two major performances. The schedule called for the installation to begin at 3 a.m., immediately after a live concert had ended, and for all structural lifting and alignment to be completed such that the next evening’s headline performance would not be disrupted. The installation team had to manage delivery logistics, mobilise a mobile crane to lift the platform into position, secure it, test alignments, and tie into the building infrastructure, all in a single overnight shift.
That constrained timeline placed extreme pressure on engineering accuracy, lifting rigging precision, coordination with the venue’s event schedule and contingency planning.
Installation Execution & Risk Mitigation
- Preplanning & Pre-assembly
- In advance, the gangway was preassembled and checked in Tyne Gangway’s works to confirm tolerances, alignment interfaces, and clearance fits.
- Interface points in the arena structure were surveyed in detail, and rigging points were identified and load tested ahead of the installation.
- Night-of Mobilisation
- Starting at 3 a.m., Lift-Rite’s installation team mobilised quickly once the audience cleared and stage teardown was complete.
- Heavy lifting equipment was staged in place with temporary supports used to control the walk-in path of the gangway into its final position.
- Precision Placement
- The walkway was hoisted, manoeuvred, and located within millimetric tolerances to align with structural fixing points and bearings.
- In parallel, electrical, mechanical, and safety interface connections were readied for immediate integration.
- One-Shift Completion
- Within the same shift, the Lift-Rite team completed bolting, alignment checks, preliminary static control loads, and function tests of the retract mechanism, all before the arena had to be cleared again for the next evening’s performance.
- This overnight install between shows minimised disruption and eliminated a costly, lengthy venue closure.
Because of this successful execution, the walkway was quickly ready to host members without downtime or safety compromise.
Load Test and Re-Certification
In September this year, Lift-Rite performed a full load test and inspection of the walkway, again respecting the arena’s event schedule. This inspection was critical for safety, insurance, and regulatory confidence.
Scope of Load Test & Inspection
- Logistics & Mobilisation
Lift-Rite coordinated all logistics of test weights, lifting frames, rigging, and site access. - Inspection & Pre-Test Checks
Before applying test loads, the structure underwent detailed visual inspection, inspection of connections and welds, NDT at critical joints and verification of alignment, deflections, and any signs of fatigue or wear. - Static & Load Testing
Full load tests were applied, as per design safety factors and standards, and to simulate crowd loading. - Post-Test Certification
A formal certification report was issued, specifying the gangway remains compliant with its design loading requirements. - Minimal Disruption
The entire load test was scheduled between events so membership experience and arena programming were unaffected.
Outcomes & Benefits
- Demonstrated Structural Integrity
The walkway passed the full load test, reaffirming the original design assumptions, verifying that the aluminium structure, supports, and fixings remained in sound condition after years of service. - Extended Asset Life & Safety Assurance
The re-certification ensures continued safe use, supports insurance, and gives confidence for future events. - Customer Trust & Reliability
The fact that Lift-Rite could mobilise, inspect, test and certify without major interruption strengthened the trust between venue management and the engineering team. - Proof of Capability in Tight Windows
The original installation (3 a.m. start and fit-in-one shift) with subsequent load test (between events) highlighted Lift-Rite’s ability to manage heavy engineering tasks under demanding time constraints and in live venues.
