The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways (O2 Premium hospitality suite)

Photography credit – Luke Dyson

 

Exclusive access to the best views in the house

The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways is a new VIP members’ area in the O2, featuring several fine dining restaurants, a cocktail bar, ‘floating’ champagne bar, and a 12m private walkway, 70 feet above the arena.

With a 300-guest capacity, memberships are limited, and for £15,000 a year, guests receive exclusive access to the 1,150 square foot space on the 3^rd floor of the arena, which is opposite the stage and allows uninterrupted, panoramic views during performances.

Opening in early 2024 and with an estimated £7m investment, The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways is the latest in the O2’s premium offerings range.

A 70ft high retractable walkway? All in a day’s work.

Harwood was introduced to the team at AEG through an architect our team had worked with previously, who was already undertaking minor works at the arena. The architect referred us, and we were appointed to take on the project in February 2023.

Originally there were twelve individual suites on the third floor of the arena, with a walkway that ran around the outside of the suites. The idea was to make this area more exclusive, and the existing suites needed to be demolished to make way for the new VIP area.

Commenting on the new design, Mark Goldsmith, Harwood’s Technical and Compliance Associate Director, explains: “One of the key features of the new area is the private walkway; at about 12m long, the walkway is retractable, coming out on hydraulics before the performance starts, and then again when the performance has finished. It provides an additional area for VIP members to enjoy the views of the arena.

“We needed to ensure it was built properly and to engineers’ specification. This involved regular site visits to ensure the walkway was compliant with building regulations”

Mark continues: “Another important aspect we were able to support the client with in terms of building control was around fire safety for the project. We worked closely with the fire engineer for the arena to ensure that the new work didn’t compromise the existing fire strategy.”

Arenas and stadiums present unique challenges when it comes to providing building control services, and ensuring all visitors can access the arena safely is essential. Mark and the team at Harwood advised AEG on the necessary provisions for general and wheelchair access.

Navigating the challenges of a live venue

Working around performances in a live venue can pose challenges when it comes to site inspections, as Mark explains: “When it came to our initial meeting with the fire engineer and the project manager – before work started – the building was in lockdown, with restricted access to site as Elton John was preparing for his performance.

“Once building started in summer 2023, the contractors needed to be flexible in order to accommodate working around artists’ performances, and there was also a certain amount of pressure to have the venue ready in time for the upcoming Madonna concert!”

To read more about our latest projects, visit Our Work, or to speak to us about a specific project you have in the pipeline, contact us on enquiries@harwood.uk.com

 

For more information about Harwood and how our building control inspection services can add value to your projects, get in touch with our team today on +44 (0)1227 931 777 or email enquiries@harwood.uk.com.

If you are looking to mitigate risks in terms of delays or unexpected costs, the experience of Harwood ensures buildings are safe for their users by identifying non-compliant features and working with design teams and contractors so they can create real-world solutions to construction challenges.  With its Head Office in Kent, Harwood provides building control services for commercial construction projects across England and Wales.  Our highly professional yet approachable approach and pragmatic attitude ensures the details that matter are taken care of.