The progress on the new balcony since the last London Roar at the beginning of January has been astonishing. A month ago, the pictures were of demolition in progress. Now, the steel frame has been erected, the new balustrade sections are in place, the steel grating that will support the deck is almost finished and soon the timber deck will start to be laid.
The new balustrade looks wonderful and its slim lines allow the façade of the clubhouse to be seen through it in a way which has not been possible for over a hundred years. This is very pleasing indeed.
The width of the new terrace gives a much greater feeling of space and an unexpectedly much finer view of the river looking towards Hammersmith than we have been used to. It will be a very special balcony and a great place from which to watch our crews on the water.
A huge number of people walking along the Embankment have stopped to read the information about the project on the site hoardings, look at the new balcony taking shape, and say how much they like it.
Our contractors have worked hard in wind and rain, mainly both, and we are on track for completion of the main work by the end of the month with the restoration of the bollards following on. This is very good.
The steel beams were lifted in place with a crane and fitted together perfectly.
The corbels have been refurbished, the accumulation of many layers of paint were scraped off and they look splendid with fresh paint and sharp edges.
Each section of the carefully lowered grating weighs 200kg!
In order to save time in construction, the balustrade sections were powder coated off site. The beams, columns and stanchions were painted in the workshop which has also provided a welcome space for the workmen to get dry and have a cup of tea.
The handrail sits over the top bar of the balustrade and is screwed into place from underneath.
The decking planks are made of resin impregnated bamboo and each plank incorporates a non-slip strip made of carborundum. The decking uses a hidden fix system and the planks are clipped into place on rails (the board under the rails is not part of the construction).
Peter Halford
