The Armadillo

The new build was proposed to increase the capacity of the SECC complex which was first initiated in 1994. Designed by architects Foster and Partners, construction of the 3,000 seat venue (hence the name ‘3k’ Armadillo) started in September 1995, and was completed in August 1997, by which time it had earned its affectionate nickname, due to the similarity of its shape to that of the animal of the same name.

Many comparisons have been made with the Sydney Opera House, although this was not the architects’ inspiration for the design, which was in fact an interlocking series of ship’s hulls, in reference to the Clyde’s shipbuilding heritage.

The building has become one of the most recognisable on Clydeside and an iconic image of Glasgow. It is connected by passageways to the SEC Centre, and the Crowne Plaza hotel for easy access and exit for performers.

Events

The building has held events, such as the Scottish auditions of Britain’s Got Talent Series 2 to 4, the auditions for Series 1 to 4 of The X Factor[] and the Hugo Award ceremony during Interaction, the 63rd World Science Fiction Convention.[] It is the place where singer Susan Boyle was discovered.

The building served as the venue for the weightlifting competitions of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, held in Glasgow. In the season of Christmas, the Armadillo is used for pantomimes.  Westlife lead vocalist Shane Filan played at the venue twice as a solo artist in 2016 and 2017.

BOVIS LEND LEASE were awarded the principal contractor role whom were also appointed to deliver the new Exhibition center in 2013 and they in turn appointed CDS as their specialist contractor to carry out the Builderswork in connection with services due to the concrete frame. CDS worked on the project for nearly 2 year carrying out a wide range of specilsist cutting techniques from Core Drilling, Wire Saing, Track Sawing to facilitate the fast service routes throughout.