Landscape Solutions - Case Study
Auraton Dutch and Baggeridge Vintage Tumbled pavers Project: Altrincham Central Way, Altrincham Client: Altrincham Council Project size: 727m²
Landscape Solutions - Case Study
Altrincham redevelopment makes things beautiful underfoot An innovative regeneration scheme, to reinvigorate Altrincham Central Way, was completed in March 2015 after Trafford Council commissioned landscape architects Planit-ie and Stockley to develop a new town centre strategy. The objective of the 727m² in total landscape was to maintain the distinctive and unique feel of the area, whist modernising it for the demands of contemporary life. The project hinged around the market place, which has existed in various forms since the 13th century and involved the refurbishment of an area focusing on ten key streets as part of a £15m regeneration project. To ensure a sense of cohesion with the vertical brickwork surrounding the market, Planit-ie, selected pavers from Wienerberger’s Penter range via Hardscape Products Ltd. To achieve the desired visual effect, Auraton Dutch and Baggeridge Vintage Tumbled clay pavers were laid on edge in a 90-degree herringbone pattern creating a subtle contrast between the landscaped environment and the surrounding area, whilst still fitting within the harmonious design framework. The aim of the redevelopment was to make Altrincham the definitive ‘modern market town’ and to secure the market, and its surroundings, in the heart of the community. Before its redevelopment, the public’s perception of the space was broadly negative as the area was
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The selected pavers worked
tired, worn and lacking in appeal. Creating well with the Victorian red an attractive urban landscaped environment has increased footfall, which in turn has brick surroundings due to encouraged investment and opportunity their myriad of colours and for local businesses. Now complete, the redeveloped area consists of a series of both textures. permanent and occasional tenancies for traders and producers,, whilst also forming a pivotal link between the high street retail space The pavers proved to be well suited for the project due to the innate characteristics of and the main market building. clay, including colour retention - which is David Butler, Marketing Manager at Hardscape, expected to hold throughout the duration commented: “When we were approached by of the paver’s lifespan – and ease of Planit-ie and Stockley to provide pavers for maintenance over a period of up to two this project we knew there would be several hundred years. Beyond these inherent considerations beyond the look and feel of the benefits of clay, highly durable blue pavers materials. Fortunately we knew that by working were specified in preparation for high footfall with Wienerberger we could find the correct and heavy goods vehicles, which can easily pavers to meet the client’s requirements. Due take their toll on less durable or robust pavers to the predicted high levels of pedestrian and made from inferior materials. vehicular traffic we knew the project would require blue clay pavers, as they are inherently The specification of the pavers also had benefits during the planning stage of the hardwearing and durable. With this in mind, plus the requirements of a product that would project, as clay pavers are easy to maintain and replace if needed. When coupled link the landscape with the local architecture, with the standard method of construction it became increasingly obvious that Auraton employed by the contractor, the architects Dutch and Baggeridge Vintage Tumbled clay were able to effectively satisfy the highway pavers would best serve the project.” authority as to the suitability of the pavers. Beyond the demands to increase footfall This consideration is important because it and the broader commercial requirements of has a positive impact on the longevity of the the redevelopment, the design had to be in project, which is a core requirement in public keeping with surrounding conservation areas, sector construction projects. many of which date from the closing years of the 19th century. The selected pavers worked Now complete, the regeneration of Altrincham Central Way clearly meets the objectives well with the Victorian red brick surroundings set out by Trafford Council and completely due to their myriad of colours and textures. links the newly developed area with its By using high quality clay pavers with a worn patina the renovated area links to the broader older, stylistically rigid surroundings. Beyond aesthetic considerations, the specification landscape, whilst also benefiting from the of the clay pavers has meant that after the hardwearing nature of clay. consistent use of the area in the future, Joanne Roberts, Category Marketing Manger the fabric of the landscape can easily be for Penter, commented: “The Altrincham maintained and, when ultimately required, Central Way project has presented some repaired. obstacles to overcome, as the area is rich in heritage and traditional architecture, and it’s been great to see pavers used so imaginatively to ensure the redeveloped area works within the local vernacular.”