This complete new build project opens this month and is the first new Scottish University Campus of the 21st century and replaces QMU's three previous city centre sites. It has been designed and built as a state-of-the-art centre of academic excellence, complete with vibrant student village and an innovative learning resource centre at its core. It will cater for up to 5,000 students plus staff.
Queen Margaret University specifically requested that a Slingco CableNET was installed in the new theatre, following its huge conceptual and practical success at their previous Gateway Theatre in town. This was installed by Slingco in 2002 and was enjoyed and loved by working personnel and visiting productions alike. Slingco was duly contacted by architects Dyer Associates to design and install the grid, thus creating a completely safe working environment above the stage and auditorium of the flexible studio space.
The project was managed for Slingco by Chris Bruce, who says, "Repeat business is always good, and this is a seriously high profile project in which we're proud to have been involved." He adds that they have worked closely with QMUC's consulting engineers Buro Happold.
The grid measures 11.1m long by 8m wide and is secured at 5.5m off the ground, creating a fully enclosed space above. It was assembled on the floor by the Slingco team and lifted into place using chain hoists before being secured to the building steelwork. Slingco's consultations with Buro Happold ensured that the right steels were in the correct places to make this a smooth manoeuvre.
The grid will be used to house the theatre's lighting rig (supplied through Northern Light), together with some sound equipment. The hangers and the hand-railing for the CableNET are made from the same 43.8mm diameter tubing as that of standard theatrical lighting bars for additional versatility - allowing them the option of using these for lantern storage or for clamping lighting fixtures in place for performances.
(Jim Evans)
