Construction work begins on the largest ever concrete pour in Ireland, which took place at Belfast's Titanic Quarter over the weekend
Ireland’s largest single concrete pour to date has taken place, marking a significant milestone in construction work on the £97m Titanic Signature Project at Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.
Developers Harcourt Construction carried out the pour, which saw 4,200 cubic metres of concrete laid 8m below ground level across an area of 3,800 square metres near the slipway at the 185-acre Titanic Quarter development in Belfast city centre.
Over 100 men from five different companies worked in shifts throughout the night on Friday, December 4, on the historic pour, which involved 50 concrete trucks delivering circa 250 cubic metres of concrete per hour – or one load every two minutes. A low carbon concrete was used which has a range of environmental benefits.
Mike Smith, CEO of Titanic Quarter Ltd, said:
“We believe this concrete pour is the largest the island of Ireland has ever seen and marks a major progression in the construction of the Titanic Signature Project, the largest tourist development ever undertaken in Northern Ireland.
“When completed in 2012, the Signature project is expected to attract over 400,000 visitors a year and generate over £30m for the Northern Ireland economy.
“The concrete pour has a strong historical resonance, taking place in sight of the famous slipway on which construction work began on the Titanic in 1909. The Signature Project, when complete, will help bring the famous story of Titanic back to Belfast and help the city celebrate its proud maritime history and achievements.
“The concrete used in the pour is of a low carbon nature which brings with it a range of environmental benefits. Up to 726 tonnes of CO2 will be saved by using this concrete, the equivalent saving of which would require taking 234 cars off the road for one year.”
Noel Molloy from Harcourt Developments, said:
“Overseeing the biggest concrete pour in Ireland is a major challenge and one which has required a lot of detailed preparation and effort from the entire team of people involved. It is a historic event and one in which Harcourt is extremely proud to be involved.
“The benefits which the Titanic Signature Project will bring to Northern Ireland will go far beyond tourism, it will also provide a much-needed shot in the arm for the local construction industry. At its height there is expected to be over 600 workers on site with over 200 people expected to be employed in the building when the facility opens.”
