Consisting of over 25,000 metres of steel, the equivalent to 17 miles or the length of 257 football pitches, the steel frame weighs 2,250 tonnes, the same as 280 adult African elephants or 1,500 average family cars. If laid end-to-end, the 50,000 bolts used in its construction would stretch for 3.15 miles. The steel frame took 18,867 hours to complete, and over 200 people at structural steelwork specialists, Robinson, were involved in its manufacture and construction.

Commenting on the completion of the steel frame, Rebecca Cardozo, Venue Director of Glow, Bluewater, said: “The completion of the venue’s steel frame is a significant milestone.

“Glow, Bluewater is fast becoming a reality, and the next 12 months are going to be very exciting. Work begins on the plaza early next year, which will house a number of new restaurants that complement the existing restaurants in the Water Circus. Early next year, we will also be revealing more information about the some of the events that will be taking place in this unique destination.”

The £60 million Glow, Bluewater will open in late 2011 and will create a new benchmark in the events and exhibition industry. An integral part of Bluewater, it will host a number of events and exhibitions that both complement and extend Bluewater’s existing retail and leisure offer. In addition, it will play a central role in Bluewater’s 2011 Christmas experience.