A SURFACE FIT FOR THE QUEEN

Addagrip’s Addastone has been used as part of the redevelopment of the Wellington Arch area and the redesign of the surrounding gardens in Hyde Park.

Contractor Total Protection was tasked with the resurfacing of the existing tarmac, having been appointed by the project’s main contractor Murphy. Westminster City Council commissioned and part-funded the project with TfL to improve the design and standard of the popular visitor attraction.

The new surface had to meet client budget requirements and many design criteria, and also had to be carried out in a strict timescale of 6 days to be ready in enough time for The Queen to officially re-open the garden.

Nick Dicienzo, technical director of Total Protection, explained, “We needed a surface able to withstand the heavy trafficking from pedestrians and also the Royal Cavalry. This surface needed to have a non-slip property to make it safe for public use. The replacement surface also needed to be decorative to complement the monument and gardens. We wanted a natural stone finish that would enhance the area”, Nick Dicienzo continues, “Addagrip’s Addastone was the obvious choice for this prestige site. We have used Addastone on other projects because of its high quality and long-term performance.”

Aside from its established reputation, Total Protection selected Addastone because it is easy to lay and, thanks to its high quality resin, long-lasting. Addastone uses a range of natural aggregates bound with resin to create the appearance of loose gravel without many of the maintenance issues. Total Protection, led by site manager Tony Ward, laid 3,000m² of Addastone around Wellington Arch, which met the deadline for the Royal Opening of the area.

Total Protection managing director Michael Morley is delighted with the results. “The end result emphasises the beauty of the gardens and the Wellington Arch monument. The overall effect is very natural and blends perfectly with the park’s surroundings”, Michael Morley adds, “Park officials can also be satisfied that these results are long lasting and will require little maintenance for several years to come”.

Westminster City Council is equally as pleased with the project’s outcome. David Kerrigan, Head of Parks and Leisure at Westminster Council, said, “Hyde Park Corner is an important location with both the Australian and New Zealand War Memorials and the Wellington Arch attracting a high number of visitors every day. In maintaining such an important site it is critical that the landscape and surfacing is both visually pleasing and hard wearing. The recent major improvements have delivered on both these counts and have been very well received by the public. We are very happy with the result.”

ENDS
9 October 2007
Addagrip 60

NOTE TO EDITORS: TfL – Transport for London.

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