The transformation of Wrexham AFC's new Kop Stand at the Cae Ras has reached a landmark construction milestone following the successful installation of the stand's 125-tonne inverted ribbon truss.
One of the most technically complex engineering operations of the redevelopment – the truss was delivered to site in five individual sections before being assembled and lifted into position during a choreographed operation involving specialist lifting equipment and temporary support structures.
As the principal contractor, McLaren Construction Midlands and North, worked alongside their structural steel specialist J&D Pierce Contracts Ltd to deliver detailed logistical and engineering planning for the successful truss installation, a significant step forward for the build.
The structural steel programme is advancing now the main concourse steelwork, stair and lift cores are complete, and significant progress has also been made on the upper concrete decks and precast terracing. The package comprises more than 1,500 tonnes of steel, secured using over 31,000 structural bolts, more than 16,000 fabricated fittings and over 500 holding-down bolts.
The steel frame has been designed to meet the demands of constructing a modern stadium within the constrained footprint of the new Kop Stand and a live city-centre site.
The truss installation followed months of planning between McLaren Construction, J&D Pierce Contracts Ltd, specialist lifting contractors, independent checking engineers and Network Rail. Every stage of the operation was meticulously sequenced, from the delivery and assembly of the steel sections to the installation of temporary works and crane operations, ensuring the lift could be carried out safely and efficiently.
During the installation phase, it was supported by two purpose-designed temporary towers while the surrounding permanent roof steelwork was completed, and it will remain supported until the roof structure is fully connected, before being de-jacked into its final structural position as part of the next phase of the programme.
The steelwork package also includes the installation of the stand's distinctive dolphin beams, which were fully fabricated and intumescent coated off-site before being transported to Wrexham for erection, forming the primary support for the upper terracing.
Alongside the steelwork, progress continues across the wider scheme and all upper floor slabs have now been completed. Blockwork to the ground floor lift shafts and MEP risers are now advancing, along with the early stages of MEP first fix scope to the internal floors. Further pours will continue as construction advances and the installation of the precast terrace units are progressing well.
The redevelopment remains on programme for completion ready for the 2027/28 season, when the new Kop Stand will restore the Cae Ras to a four-sided stadium, increase capacity to more than 18,000 and deliver UEFA Category 4 compliance, alongside significantly enhanced facilities for supporters, players, media and the wider community.
Gary Cramp, Managing Director at McLaren Construction Midlands and North, said:
“The successful installation of the ribbon truss represents one of the most significant engineering achievements of the project to date. While supporters can clearly see the stand taking shape, what sits behind this milestone is months of detailed planning, engineering expertise and close collaboration across the entire project team.”
Jamie Pierce, Joint Managing Director at J&D Pierce, said:
“The structural steel package showcases the scale and complexity of modern stadium engineering. From fabricating more than 1,500 tonnes of structural steel through to assembling and installing the 125-tonne ribbon truss, every element has been carefully planned, manufactured and erected to the highest standards.
“Successfully completing this lift is a testament to the expertise and collaboration of everyone involved, and we're proud to be playing our part in creating what will become an iconic addition to the Cae Ras.”
Michael Williamson, Chief Executive Officer at Wrexham AFC, said:
“The successful lift and installation of the steel truss is a landmark moment for the Club, not only in the construction of the new Kop Stand itself but also for the wider Gateway Project. We are now looking forward to seeing the Kop Stand continue to evolve and take shape over the coming months.”
