Helping keep a watchful eye over the River Thames
The Northfleet Tower is finally having its grand unveiling!
The state-of-the-art structure, located in Northfleet, Kent, is set to keep a watchful eye over one of the busiest stretches of the River Thames, forming part of a network of 18 PLA radars that operate 24hours a day. Their main role being to aid vessels of all sizes to navigate their way safely in and out of the UK’s second biggest port, doing so by using the very latest low-energy technology.
TDS originally began work on this project, alongside our client Swann Engineering, in October 2017 and at the time the new radar tower represented a first for our specialist design team. Producing a 3D model for each section and detailing fabrication packages for its ladders, miscellaneous stairs, flooring, handrails and a central spiral staircase together with its base mesh enclosure.
Some delays were caused to the original project as it coincided with the exciting plans for a world class theme park resort nearby. The London Resort Company Holdings Chairman, Tory MP Steve Norris stated:
“Over the next five years, this project will become one of the largest construction projects in the UK and takes us a significant step closer to delivering a world class resort.”
So, it was paramount that the two projects, which will be located near one another, had little impact. Most importantly to ensure that the towers original position was secured to meet the required level of surveillance to guarantee, where absolutely possible, the safety of the customers of The Port of London and the public using the river.
TDS were delighted when we were contacted again more recently to help complete the project, which apart from the radar itself was inclusive of the design of the whole structure and internal features. Being a part of the design of a structure that will in time act as a vital facilitator for the shipping of goods such as food, household items, steel, waste, cars and much more will go down as one of our most memorable projects.
If you have you’d like to find out more about this project or the other services we offer, please get in touch.