Project Type: Caving complex for activity centre Belfast

Client: Belfast Activity Centre

Architect: Consarc (Belfast)

Site Start Date: Sept 2006

Completion Date: June 2007

Description: Paul Waite Associates were originally approached by Entre-prise to develop a design for a caving complex similar to the previous Colomendy project in North Wales. Belfast Activity Centre then took over the project direct. This complex utilises the previously successful sprayed concrete on a pre-bent reinforcement cages. However this complex is much larger than previous and incorporates a tall cave structure to be used for abseiling and a high rope system as well as caving. Various methods were discussed for the main cave complex, including precast concrete, but a steel sub frame was finally chosen as a base to accept reinforcement to form the shell. The steel frame was designed and detailed to fit with the organic shape of the completed structure. When completed the complex will give a main cave chamber, leading to 3 caving passages that meander and cross over. The passages will also have water pumped through them and terminate in an egress pond, which users will have to dive underwater to exit the tunnels.