Norman & Underwood have undertaken the glazing and roofing work at BBC Radio Leicester’s new landmark building

Our roofing and glazing skills have been reflected in BBC Radio Leicester’s new state of the art landmark building.

Our technicians from our glazing and roofing divisions have undertaken external and internal work at the new premises, which, when finished will create one of the city’s most prestigious contemporary buildings.

Our Roofing Division has been responsible for laying the 260 square metres of copper roofing and copper façade as well as carrying out all leadwork to the stairwells.

Laid in one long strip, the copper roofing took the team of four craftsmen six weeks to complete.

Frameless glass has been used on the building’s exterior to give an ultra modern look in which other buildings in the vicinity – including Leicester Cathedral – will be reflected.

Chris Doran, Contracts Manager, Glazing Systems said: “We have supplied a full glass and supporting steel structure package with the two main atrium façade elevations consisting of a bolted structural glazing system which is supported by horizontal elliptical steel rails.

“There are 13 panels on the Guildhall Lane elevation and five on the St Nicholas Place elevation totalling approx 80 square metres and within each facade we are also installing all-glass revolving doors.

115 square metres of double glazed units were also installed on the atrium roof and stairwell enclosure using a Kawneer sloped glazing system.
 
As well as undertaking the external facade glazing of the bomb-proof building, we also carried out extensive glazing work to the building’s interior.

This included two bridges on the first and second floors which provide
 walkways linking floor areas either side of the building atrium.

The bridge on the second floor is fully encased being glazed on each side and on the roof.   Extensive glass balustrades were also provided on the ground and first floors.

When finished, the ground floor will house studios and the open centre; the
first floor will accommodate the Asian Network TV studios and the second  
floor the news room.

Following demolition of the Victorian buildings which were previously on the
Medieval site, archaeologists moved in to undertake the largest dig in Leicester for 30 years.

In order that visitors to the new building can view the excavation’s findings, we also installed glass flooring.

BBC Radio Leicester and BBC Leicester have been based at their current home, Epic House in Charles Street, since 1967, so the move will mark the beginning of a new era for the BBC in the city.