Emley Moor transmitting station
Emley Moor transmitting station, officially known as The Arqiva Tower, is a telecommunications and broadcasting facility on Emley Moor, in Kirklees, West Yorkshire.
With a height of 330.4 m (1,084 ft), it is the tallest freestanding structure in the UK, the seventh tallest in the European Union, and the 24th tallest tower in the world. It is 20.8 m taller than The Shard, which is popularly thought to be the tallest structure in the UK.
Designed by Arup, the structure consists of a tapered cylindrical pillar of reinforced concrete, topped by a steel lattice mast carrying 55 m (180 ft) tall antennas.
The current tower is the third such structure to have occupied the site. The original lattice tower was built in 1956 and measured 135 m (443 ft) tall. It was used to broadcast ITV to the Yorkshire area. In 1964, it was replaced by a guyed mast measuring 385.5 m (1,265 ft).
In March 1969, the structure collapsed as a result of strong winds and the weight of ice that had formed around the top of the mast and on the guy wires. The subsequent committee of inquiry blamed the collapse on a form of oscillation which occurred at a low but steady wind speed.
The construction of the current tower was begun in 1969 and was completed in 1971. It is built on foundations which extend 6 m (20 ft) into the ground. A control room at 274 m (900 ft) can be reached by a lift that takes around 7 minutes to ascend.
In 2002, English Heritage (now Historic England) granted the tower Grade II listed building status due to its ‘significant architectural or historic interest’.
In recent years, the tower has had supporting structures attached to accommodate more dishes and aerials, reflecting the changing nature of communications and technology.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Heat pumps, vehicle chargers and heating appliances must be sold with smart functionality.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
New-style degrees set for reformed ARB accreditation
Following the ARB Tomorrow's Architects competency outcomes for Architects.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Preserving, waterproofing and decorating buildings.
Many resources for visitors aswell as new features for members.
Using technology to empower communities
The Community data platform; capturing the DNA of a place and fostering participation, for better design.
Heat pump and wind turbine sound calculations for PDRs
MCS publish updated sound calculation standards for permitted development installations.
Homes England creates largest housing-led site in the North
Successful, 34 hectare land acquisition with the residential allocation now completed.
Scottish apprenticeship training proposals
General support although better accountability and transparency is sought.
The history of building regulations
A story of belated action in response to crisis.
Moisture, fire safety and emerging trends in living walls
How wet is your wall?
Current policy explained and newly published consultation by the UK and Welsh Governments.
British architecture 1919–39. Book review.
Conservation of listed prefabs in Moseley.
Energy industry calls for urgent reform.