The Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) is proposing to transform an undeveloped site in Stratford, East London, into MSG Sphere – a state-of-the-art music and entertainment venue that will pioneer the next generation of immersive experiences. The project is still in the planning approval stages and Railway Assurance have been commissioned to assist and guide the project through the approval processes where there may be an impact on the railway system and or supporting infrastructure (such as Stratford Station). Due to the proximity of the proposed site to the operational railway there are a number of concerns Network Rail have raised and will need to be considered and satisfied throughout the approval process.

Rail Assurance have facilitated a number of Hazard Identification activities on behalf of MSG to capture, classify and prioritise all concerns of all involved stakeholders. Due to the project still being in planning and consents stage Railway Assurance’s role at the moment is to provide supporting documents which analyse and justify the most significant concerns raised by those stakeholders so they can be satisfied that there is a methodology to manage those concerns effectively and appropriately.

To date the remit consists of:

• Providing training for project teams when required

• Producing and agreeing the deliverables with the project team prior to works commencing

• Facilitating HAZID workshops

• Ensuring all reasonably foreseeable hazards are collated and recorded by the project team

• Supporting Hazard Management sessions for the project

• Production of a Safety Justification Report which analyses and proposes how the most significant hazards will be managed.

• Support with engaging with planning and consent bodies with regard to Railway System Safety.