Located in the heart of Leeds, the new £60m First Direct Arena is a multi-purpose facility designed so the interior space can be easily arranged to meet the changing requirements of a diverse events programme. With a seating capacity of up to 13,500 the Arena is designed by Architects Populous as a world-class event venue; its unique fan-shaped interior provides clear sight lines to the centre stage area.
Opened in July 2013, the First Direct Arena is situated alongside the Leeds inner ring road on a 5.1 acre site at Claypit Lane.
The paved concourse in front of the venue is the main pedestrian route for those entering the building. This large area is drained by a 120 metre run of FASERFIX® KS 100 fitted with Class C250 heel-safe ductile iron gratings. There is also a 67 metre run of FASERFIX® KS 150 channels fitted with Class E600 heel-safe ductile iron gratings. The high loading capacity was necessary as the concourse is occasionally accessed by delivery and promotional vehicles. A further 146 metres of FASERFIX® KS 100 also fitted with Class E600 heel-safe ductile iron gratings were installed in the service yards and hard surfaces surrounding the arena.
The FASERFIX® KS channels were specified by Arup Limited. BAM, the project’s construction contractor sub-contracted the work to GRKC LLP Groundwork and Formwork specialists who ordered and installed the channel runs.
FASERFIX® KS channels are made from the company’s Reinforced Fibre Concrete (RFC) which allows for the easy cutting, without breakage, of mitres and the holes required for pipe access points. The channels also feature the company’s SIDE-LOCK ductile iron boltless gratings system which allowed for quick fitting and access for cleaning. For example, 10 metres of covers can be removed in about 90 seconds with just 70 seconds to replace all 20 covers.