The architects (Foster Wilson Architects LLP) who were project managing the refurbishment of the theatre tasked with providing a discreet and practical method of housing multicore cables that ran from the stage to the control desk during music concerts. Previously the cables had been run above ground subsequently causing damage to the beautiful interior of the theatre.

To accommodate the multicore cabling, two underground cable routes were cut into the floor. The cable routes needed to be covered with a lightweight maintenance free, cover that was readily removable by simple manual handling techniques but also sufficiently strong enough to withstand imposed loads from MEWP’s (mobile elevating working platforms) as additional refurbishment work on the building was required. In addition to these requirements anti-slip/skid was also a factor that need to be addressed.

Fibrelite supplied a bespoke encapsulating frame for both multicore cable routes along with a 1.5 tonne load rated trench cover to cover the cable trenches. The design was extremely challenging as not only did the cable trenches change in direction but they also changed in elevation. The Fibrelite cover incorporates an anti-slip material within the top treaded surface of the covers which provides unparalleled anti-slip/skid properties for a composite cover.

Lightweight Fibrelite covers

The lead Architect, project managing the refurbishment commented on the solution provided by Fibrelite:

“Overall I think Fibrelite is a great solution to a difficult design problem for us of achieving both a robust and high load capacity cover to the multicore cables running for stage to control desk whilst maintaining low weight and easy access“