Charcon Hard
Landscaping, a division of Aggregate Industries, has developed and supplied a
bespoke concrete block paver for Maidstone Borough Council’s new pedestrianised
area on two of the town’s most historic streets.
The £3.1 million
investment by Maidstone Borough Council to regenerate Week Street and Gabriel’s
Hill aims to enhance the town centre for both residents and visitors.
The
resurfacing works will celebrate the cultural heritage within the town, whilst
reinvigorating the look and improve the attractiveness of the streets.
Works
commenced in April 2018, with Charcon collaborating closely with landscape
architects at PRP Landscape to create a unique, blue concrete product that not
only matched the Council’s aesthetic requirements, but would stand the test of
time.
The blue
textured Andover block paving features in a basket weave design to creatively
reflect the colours uniquely associated to Maidstone Borough Council, whilst
being surrounded by grey block pavers to compliment the design.
Andover concrete block
paving, containing granite aggregates, was selected due to its characteristics
of being hard-wearing and robust, ideal for a busy pedestrianised area, with
the silver/grey colour offering an aesthetically-pleasing design. It is produced
in the UK, using locally sourced materials, and contains up to 50% recycled and
reclaimed aggregates.
Mark Barter, Sales
Director for Charcon, comments: “Maidstone Borough Council initially used
granite in a previous phase of the high street, however for this section they
needed a product that was cost-effective and easy to install, whilst emulating
the aesthetics of natural granite.
"To ensure we got
the right colour for the blue feature, we provided various materials and
samples until we found the ideal solution for the project.
“The bespoke product
has been delivered to site and work is progressing well. We are looking forward
to its completion next year, where we hope the paved weave will create an
eye-catching design for visitors and residents of Maidstone and bring a new lease
of life to the high street.”
When complete, the
Maidstone High Street project will feature a timeline of the history of
Maidstone, alongside the paved weave created by PRP Landscape and Charcon.
