As the capital gears up for the Olympic Games, London based security glazing specialist, Advanced Glass Technology (AGT) has taken on its biggest project to date with a six figure contract to install anti-shatter protective window film on the new Emirates Air Line cable car stations, currently under construction.
Set to open in early summer, the £60 million (projected cost) Emirates Air Line is the first urban cable car in the United Kingdom, which will provide additional transport links for the Olympics. With a total security budget for staging the Games thought to be in excess of £200 million, AGT was drafted in to fit its anti-shatter blast mitigation film on all the glazing for the new buildings, following a rigorous tendering and procurement process.
The state-of-the-art Monocable Detachable Gondola (MDG)system will span the River Thames at a height of 50 metres between the two stations based at the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, linking two Olympic venues at the 02 and ExCel respectively. The cable car aims to provide a crossing every 15 seconds, carrying up to 2,500 passengers per hour in each direction.
Having seen increased demand from building owners wanting to mitigate risk to people and property in the event of civil unrest or even a terrorist attack as a result of international events, AGT is anticipating a further boost to enquiries regarding its BS EN* tested blast containment film in the run up to the Games.
Commented Martin Westney, Managing Director, Advanced Glass Technology:
“Having an important part to play in such a high profile construction project in our home city is a real privilege. It’s also good to see so many other builds in progress in the capital, not just in relation to the Olympics. Whilst architects and developers are increasingly pushing the envelope in terms of design and aesthetics, it’s vital that property owners seek to protect not only their investment but also the lives of occupants against any eventuality. As leaders in our field, AGT can bring over four decades of experience to bear.”
AGT’s recent installation contracts include buildings housing Embassies, Government, United Nations, Non-Governmental Organisations and private corporations in Jordan, Iraq, Kosovo and Nigeria.
