War memorial creation calls for Frami panel system

International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln

Project Overview

Location	International Bomber Command Centre, Lincoln
Sector	Building
Products	Frami Panel System

The International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) is a world-class facility to serve as a point for recognition, remembrance and reconciliation for Bomber Command. The Memorial Spire and Walls of Remembrance is a memorial for the thousands of crewmen who served in Bomber Command during World War Two.

The Memorial Spire was designed by Stephen Palmer of Place Architects and is now the UK’s tallest war memorial. The Walls of Remembrance record the names of the 55, 573 men who lost their lives serving in Bomber Command.

The challenge

Bolt accuracy

Ensuring the bolt sets were positioned with absolute precision, as any misalignment would have prevented the Spire from being securely fixed to its base.

Structural support

Designing temporary works capable of safely supporting and forming the large concrete base for a 31-metre-high steel structure on an exposed hilltop location.

Client requirements

Meeting strict project criteria around practicality, safety, and cost-effectiveness while working within the constraints of a highly significant memorial installation.

Our solution

The project required a robust and precise method for constructing the concrete base that would anchor the 31-metre-high weathering steel Spire. To achieve this, our Frami panel system was used to create an 8.25-metre square, 1.3-metre-high mould into which the concrete could be poured.

This formwork provided the accuracy and stability needed to ensure the bolt sets were positioned correctly, enabling the Spire to be securely fixed to its foundation. The system’s adaptability also made it well suited to the unique dimensions and engineering demands of the memorial structure.

Learn more about Frami

Close collaboration with Lindum was central to delivering the right temporary works solution. Working together, we refined the approach to meet all client criteria, ensuring the final design was safe, practical and cost-effective.

This partnership allowed the temporary works to be coordinated seamlessly with the overall construction of the International Bomber Command Centre’s first phase, helping ensure the Spire could be installed exactly as intended and serve as a lasting tribute to those who served in Bomber Command.

Get in touch

“The accurate positioning of the holding down bolt assembly was crucial to this project. This was the reason Lindum chose to use robust and stable equipment supplied by Mabey Hire, who also provided vital support for the temporary works design.”

Steve Clark

Contracts Manager/ Lindum Group