Arqiva

Work to build the new Bilsdale mast has reached a significant milestone as the final piece of steel work is mounted, representing the end of the structural phase of the massive build.

At around 300 metres, the new mast is already one of the highest structures in the UK. Work is now beginning to add broadcast equipment, which will allow the temporary system of interim masts and relay stations to be powered down.

Arqiva, the owners and operators of Bilsdale mast, is on track to complete the necessary installation before the end of Spring 2023.

Replacing the old Bilsdale mast is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the UK, with up to 100 people on-site working hard to deliver the project in half of the typical timeframe for a development of such scale, in such a remote location.

Adrian Twyning, Chief of Operations at Arqiva, said: “The team continues to work tirelessly, including overnight in the equipment rooms, to restore the full-sized mast as quickly as possible. As many will have seen from recent pictures, the structure itself is very near its full height. Once complete, we need to install the antenna at the top and the feeders - which take the content up the tower to the antenna - then we will test the transmitters before go-live. We will continue to update as work progresses.

“The location of the site and the structure means that work is heavily dependent on the conditions. At around 300m, safety is paramount and for those reasons work cannot take place if it cannot be seen from the ground because of fog or low cloud, if ice is present or if the wind speed is too high. Under normal circumstances you wouldn’t choose to build a tall structure like this during the winter months, but we are committed to restoring services as soon as we can.

“We thank everybody for their patience and are sorry for any ongoing disruption.”

Updates, advice and information on the project can be found on BilsdaleMast.co.uk

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF ARQIVA LTD

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:

Arqiva is at the heart of the broadcast and utilities sectors in the UK and abroad, providing critical data, network and communications services.

It works in partnership with its customers – major broadcasters and utilities like the BBC, ITV, Sky, Global, Bauer, Thames Water and Anglian Water – to meet everyone’s demand for information, content and entertainment and enabling a switched-on world to flow.

It is the only supplier of national terrestrial television and radio broadcasting services in the UK, consistently delivering digital TV, analogue and digital radio to people in all four corners of the country. It distributes more than 1,000 channels internationally using its fibre and satellite infrastructure. Its advanced, secure and dedicated networks are also supporting the management of critical data for a range of smart metering networks in the energy and water sectors.

For more information, news and insights from Arqiva, please visit the website at: www.arqiva.com