Dorset firm’s ‘super-hanger’ shortlisted for design award

By Sam Pither

13 July 2022

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SUPER HANGAR: A ‘super-hanger’ built by John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel) Ltd at London Biggin Hill Airport has won through to the finals of the 2022 Structural Steel Design Awards (SSDA).

A ‘super-hangar’ constructed by Dorset’s John Reid & Sons Ltd has made it to the finals of a national design award.

The hangar, situated at London Biggin Airport, is the UK’s largest dual cantilever hangar. It has been shortlisted for the 2022 Structural Steel Design Awards, beating more than 300 other entries

The facility was a joint project involving John Reid & Sons – known as REIDSteel – and Kent-based architect and main contractor Civils Contracting Ltd. It will be occupied by aerospace firm Bombardier.

Simon Boyd, managing director at REIDsteel, said: “It is tremendous to see the Biggin Hill hangar on the prestigious SSDA shortlist. It is testament to innovation, ambition and talent of all involved in a ‘one team’ approach to developing a project of such scale and complexity.

“As the most advanced and largest dual cantilever hanger in the UK, it sets the benchmark for the highest quality maintenance facilities in aviation today. Biggin Hill Airport, Civils Contracting, Bombardier and the team at REIDsteel must all be congratulated for playing their part in winning this recognition. Now we’re looking forward to the awards night in September.”

The hangar, with dual cantilever structure under construction.

The super-hangar is REIDsteel’s 11th at the airport and will be used by Bombardier for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft. It includes offices and a VIP lounge.

Its 45m cantilever trusses allow the hangar to have two 160m clear span entrances and two vast floor spaces of 77,500 sq ft each, unobstructed by supporting columns.

REIDsteel’s entry included details about the hanger’s design and engineering which created significant reductions in steel use and a reduced carbon footprint compared with alternatives.

The company is one of just two on the awards shortlist to perform both the structural design and steelwork fabrication for a project.

By Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset.

A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise.

Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.