Mark Hamill opens new Skywalk on Rock of Gibraltar
POSTED 23 Mar 2018 . BY Tom Anstey
Cutting the ceremonial red ribbon with a lightsaber, Hamil declared that the “Force is strong” with the Skywalk
Cutting the ceremonial red ribbon with a lightsaber, Hamil declared that the “Force is strong” with the Skywalk
A new attraction has opened up high on the Rock of Gibraltar, with Star Wars actor Mark Hamill on-hand to launch the aptly-named Skywalk to the public.
Sitting 340m (103m) above sea level, the new attraction offers 360-degree views of the British overseas territory, with views spanning three countries and two continents. The new attraction links up with the existing Upper Rock Nature Reserve, Windsor Suspension Bridge and the Apes’ Den, which are connected by a series of walking trails.
A joint venture between Koala Construction and Bovis, the glass walkway is built on the foundations of an existing WWII base structure and is designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 150kmph. The Skywalk’s floor is made from four layers of treated glass, with the 42 panels able to hold up to 350 people without breaking. Extending out from the rock face, 6.7m (22ft), the 30,000kg steel structure is anchored by 70m (230ft) of rock.
“We were contracted by the Government of Gibraltar to carry out the design and build of the viewing platform on the former military site,” said Bovis Koala in a joint statement.
“The design provides 360-degree views, achieves a continuous route and flow around the lookout, and offers controlled opacity to accentuate the corner point with the most impressive views. The glass walkway is a floating element and avoids direct contact with the existing military platform.”
Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, was accompanied by Stormtrooper dance outfit Boogie Storm, as he officially opened the new attraction. Cutting the ceremonial red ribbon with a lightsaber, Hamil declared that the “Force is strong” with the Skywalk.
“At the top of the Rock of Gibraltar the Skywalk will serve as a stunning attraction for years to come,” said Fabian Picardo, chief minister of Gibraltar.
“It is only fitting that Luke Skywalker’ himself, should take the first steps.”
The Skywalk’s floor is made from four layers of treated glass, with the 42 panels able to hold up to 350 people without breaking Credit: Photos made by Stephen Ball and made available by Bovis Koala JV
A joint venture between Koala Construction and Bovis, the glass walkway is built on the foundations of an existing WWII base structure and is designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 150kmph Credit: Photos made by Stephen Ball and made available by Bovis Koala JV
The new attraction offers 360? views of the British overseas territory Credit: Photos made by Stephen Ball and made available by Bovis Koala JV
Credit: Photos made by Stephen Ball and made available by Bovis Koala JV
Credit: Photos made by Stephen Ball and made available by Bovis Koala JV
Credit: Photos made by Stephen Ball and made available by Bovis Koala JV
Credit: Photos made by Stephen Ball and made available by Bovis Koala JV
Off the back of the success of the first round of Everyday Heritage Grants in 2022, Historic
England is funding 56 creative projects that honour the heritage of working-class England.
Universal has revealed it will be adding new Harry Potter attractions, alongside Super Nintendo
and How to Train Your Dragon worlds to its Florida resort.
Mark Hamill opens new Skywalk on Rock of Gibraltar
POSTED 23 Mar 2018 . BY Tom Anstey
Cutting the ceremonial red ribbon with a lightsaber, Hamil declared that the “Force is strong” with the Skywalk
Cutting the ceremonial red ribbon with a lightsaber, Hamil declared that the “Force is strong” with the Skywalk
A new attraction has opened up high on the Rock of Gibraltar, with Star Wars actor Mark Hamill on-hand to launch the aptly-named Skywalk to the public.
Sitting 340m (103m) above sea level, the new attraction offers 360-degree views of the British overseas territory, with views spanning three countries and two continents. The new attraction links up with the existing Upper Rock Nature Reserve, Windsor Suspension Bridge and the Apes’ Den, which are connected by a series of walking trails.
A joint venture between Koala Construction and Bovis, the glass walkway is built on the foundations of an existing WWII base structure and is designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 150kmph. The Skywalk’s floor is made from four layers of treated glass, with the 42 panels able to hold up to 350 people without breaking. Extending out from the rock face, 6.7m (22ft), the 30,000kg steel structure is anchored by 70m (230ft) of rock.
“We were contracted by the Government of Gibraltar to carry out the design and build of the viewing platform on the former military site,” said Bovis Koala in a joint statement.
“The design provides 360-degree views, achieves a continuous route and flow around the lookout, and offers controlled opacity to accentuate the corner point with the most impressive views. The glass walkway is a floating element and avoids direct contact with the existing military platform.”
Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, was accompanied by Stormtrooper dance outfit Boogie Storm, as he officially opened the new attraction. Cutting the ceremonial red ribbon with a lightsaber, Hamil declared that the “Force is strong” with the Skywalk.
“At the top of the Rock of Gibraltar the Skywalk will serve as a stunning attraction for years to come,” said Fabian Picardo, chief minister of Gibraltar.
“It is only fitting that Luke Skywalker’ himself, should take the first steps.”
The Skywalk’s floor is made from four layers of treated glass, with the 42 panels able to hold up to 350 people without breaking Credit: Photos made by Stephen Ball and made available by Bovis Koala JV
A joint venture between Koala Construction and Bovis, the glass walkway is built on the foundations of an existing WWII base structure and is designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 150kmph Credit: Photos made by Stephen Ball and made available by Bovis Koala JV
The new attraction offers 360? views of the British overseas territory Credit: Photos made by Stephen Ball and made available by Bovis Koala JV
Credit: Photos made by Stephen Ball and made available by Bovis Koala JV
Credit: Photos made by Stephen Ball and made available by Bovis Koala JV
Credit: Photos made by Stephen Ball and made available by Bovis Koala JV
Credit: Photos made by Stephen Ball and made available by Bovis Koala JV
RELATED STORIES
Alternate vision for Gibraltar stadium unveiled by opposition party POSTED 15 Jul 2015. BY Tom Anstey The Gibraltar Social Democrats (GSD) have unveiled an alternate proposal to the territory
of Gibraltar’s Europa Stadium plan, revealing designs that would allow the team’s existing
stadium to be upgraded.
Gibraltar Stadium plans halted amid local opposition
POSTED 09 May 2014. BY Tom Anstey The Gibraltar Football Association (GFA) has been ordered by the Development
and Planning Commission (DPC) to cease unauthorised work being carried out
on the proposed Europa Point stadium.
UK to submit two nominations for World Heritage status POSTED 29 May 2012. BY Pete Hayman Scotland's Forth Bridge and Gorham's Cave Complex in Gibraltar have been
recommended to go forward as the UK's latest nominations to receive World
Heritage Site status.
Off the back of the success of the first round of Everyday Heritage Grants in 2022, Historic
England is funding 56 creative projects that honour the heritage of working-class England.
Universal has revealed it will be adding new Harry Potter attractions, alongside Super Nintendo
and How to Train Your Dragon worlds to its Florida resort.
Populous have unveiled their plans for a state-of-the-art e-sports arena, designed to stand as a
central landmark in Qiddaya City’s gaming and e-sports district, Saudi Arabia.
