Summary

CLD collaborated closely with one of its installation partners, Perimeter Solutions, to deliver one of the most technically complex rooftop MUGA fence installations in the UK. The Britannia Leisure Centre now provides the people of Hackney with open-air football pitches and tennis courts. The leisure centre attracted over 400,000 visitors in its first six months of operation.

Challenge

The Britannia Leisure Centre is a community-focused project spearheaded by Morgan Sindall located in Hackney, North London. This visionary initiative presented an array of complex construction challenges, including the creation of two full-sized five-a-side football pitches and two full-sized tennis courts on the roof, requiring fencing and netting reaching a height of 8m.

Project detail

To ensure the seamless execution of the project, CLD collaborated closely with one of its installation partners, Perimeter Solutions. Leveraging its experience in rooftop installations, Perimeter Solutions collaborated with CLD to develop viable and buildable solutions through months of sketching, modelling, online meetings, site visits and engineering calculations.

Installing the roof net posed a major challenge as it required the implementation of controlled failure during extreme conditions to protect the building from damage.

Addressing the unique challenge of the roof net, Perimeter Solutions engaged a team of engineers to develop mathematical models that considered factors such as net weight, wind loading, snow loading, ball strikes and extreme wind events.

As a result, a comprehensive system was implemented, using 16mm stainless steel wires tensioned with 1m turnbuckles and supported by a bespoke ‘rocker’ system aptly named the ‘Hammerheads.’ In the event of extreme loading, the netting was designed to detach from the wires, safeguarding the building structure.

Outcome

Despite adverse weather conditions and a nine-month timeline, the skilled installers from Perimeter Solutions demonstrated unwavering dedication and completed the project on time.

The result is the largest and most technically complex rooftop MUGA fence installation in the UK, providing the people of Hackney with open-air football pitches and tennis courts boasting unparalleled views of North London.

The project has been a resounding success, with the leisure centre attracting over 400,000 visitors in its first six months of operation.

The Britannia Rooftop MUGA has since had many TV appearances, including interviews with the Lionesses after they won the Euros in 2022, and adverts for Sky Bet and Nike. 

The completion of the Britannia Rooftop MUGA project marks a significant milestone for CLD Systems and Perimeter Solutions. The project highlights their ability to overcome complex design and installation challenges, pushing the boundaries of physical security solutions.

Award-winning facility

The Britannia Leisure Centre has received significant recognition and multiple award nominations, including the 2022 RICS Community Benefit award and Architect’s Journal: Community Impact of the Year Award.