LOCALLY based company Spanlift Australia has completed what can only be described as an engineering feat with the construction of Australia’s largest BMX circuit roof for the Satellite City BMX Club in Darwin.
Winning the tender last year to build the 68 metre by 110 metre roof, the company has spent the last 12 months working on the project which sales manager Garry Grace says put them on the map.
Sourcing over 150 tonnes of steel from the city’s OneSteel supplier, the giant structure was transported by around seven road trains to its destination in Darwin.
“We have had lots of phone calls from people in Mount Gambier who are visiting Darwin and have seen the completed roof – it is very exciting,” Mr Grace said.
“No one has ever covered anything that big.”
Following on local successful ventures such as the Naracoorte Saleyards, the project has not only boosted potential for the company but provided a lifeline for former De Bruin Engineering employees who were made redundant early last year.
A total of five employees were lucky enough to land themselves a position with the Mount Gambier company on the highly competitive sporting infrastructure project and still remain employed with the dedicated team.
Celebrating the official opening earlier this month, the BMX circuit, aptly named Spanlift Stadium, is Australia’s first fully covered competition layout and contains both a five metre and elite level eight metre starting ramp.
“Most circuits only have a five metre ramp so the eight metre ramp has created a lot of attention with more experienced riders – many people have travelled from interstate to experience it,” Mr Grace said.
As a result of the project, the stadium has also secured itself as host of the Northern Territory state BMX titles which will take place later this year.
“There is a lot of hype around this – everyone is very excited,” Mr Grace said.
Having completed their biggest project to date, Mr Grace said there are many more exciting opportunities on the cards for the growing business.
“We have the confidence to tackle big projects and have already secured a number of others because of our great work on the BMX circuit,” Mr Grace said.
