A SPORTS stadium in Central America and a hangar for a rapidly expanding London airport are among the latest big projects for a Christchurch steel company.

REIDsteel is providing the frame for a multi-million dollar sports stadium in Belize, one of the highest-profile projects in the country’s history.

It is also building a £2.2million hangar under which will house up to 11 executive jets plus office space at London Biggin Hill airport

REIDsteel did the structural design, drawing work and fabrication for the new national arena in Belize City, part of a complex which will cost 32.9m US dollars (around £12.7m).

The government-funded Belize Civic Centre Sports Complex will include basketball and volleyball pro courts, gym facilities and offices as well as being able to accommodate large concerts.

The community will have free access to a sports park that includes a 45-meter running track, a five-on-five football field, various basketball courts and an outdoor amphitheatre.

REIDsteel can design, manufacture, ship and erect entire steel buildings including their cladding and or glazing requirements anywhere in the world.

Project engineer Pepe Olivier said: “The new national arena is one of the biggest projects of its kind in Belize and will help transform the country’s sporting and cultural life.

“The contractor turned to us as we have a demonstrable history of exporting to Belize, Central America and the Caribbean”.

A total of 750 tonnes of steelwork was required for the 39,000sqft complex, including a roofing system spanning 200 feet, together with all the terraces for approximately 4,000 seats and all the suspended floors.

The Biggin Hill airport project will see REIDsteel supply and build the entire structure for the 60,000sqft hangar under contract through Tonbridge-based Civils Contracting Ltd.

Work is under way and completion is due by late summer.

It is the 10th structure to be built by REIDsteel at Biggin Hill and will be the largest hangar at the airport.

Biggin Hill secured £15million from HSBC to fund the hangar, office accommodation and a 50-bedroom, four-star hotel.

Project engineer Richard Hanson said: “London Biggin Hill Airport’s ambitious growth plans will see it create 2,300 jobs by 2030 in the field of business aviation and technology.

“We have developed a close and valuable relationship with Biggin Hill and its business partners over many years, helping the airport to grow through our expertise in structural steel design, fabrication and construction.”

Family-owned John Reid & Sons, trading as REIDsteel, was founded in 1919 and employs 130 people at a four-acre site on Reid Street.