Harrogate Steel’s specialist sports facility and ground improvement division, Sports Stadia, were appointed in late 2020 by Harrogate Town AFC and their architects, Bowman Riley, to deliver the full design, manufacture, and installation of its brand-new filming gantry. The new gantry was to be ready for the start of the 2021 / 2022 season.

The gantry is a small structure in comparison to Sport Stadia’s previous work at the club, which was to design, manufacture, and install the 42 metre fully galvanised and cantilevered Envirovent grandstand. Although small it was equally complex and logistically challenging requiring specialist expertise and installation within a tight immovable five-day window to complete. The existing stand underneath had to be significantly strengthened before work on the gantry sub-frame could start. Installed between the last match of the season and the relaying of the pitch, works had to be factored in to protect the pitch during erection with specialist matting. Once the main frame was in place, exterior cladding was undertaken as well as install of a specialist lifting hoist and an internal secure room to house the communication equipment. The structure was built to the exacting requirements of Sky TV, BT Sport, and the football league.

Dan Worsell, Harrogate Steel’s Operations Director, said: “The filming gantry is one of a number of upgrades that we have and will be making to the Harrogate Town AFC ground to reflect its progression up the football league pyramid. Our experience of working with the Club and at the ground previously was invaluable and whilst it was a small structure, there were still a number of complexities and logistical challenges for our team to overcome. It’s exciting to be an ongoing part of our local club’s success and the evolution of its home ground, improving the experience for its fans for years to come.”