Premier Paving Scheme
Hardscape is proud to have delivered its largest project to date and to have played a pivotal role in one of the most ambitious stadium developments in the UK – the creation of Everton Football Club’s new home at Bramley-Moore Dock, now named the Hill Dickinson Stadium. This £800 million project is not only a transformational sporting venue but also a catalyst for regeneration along Liverpool’s iconic waterfront, steeped in industrial and maritime history.
From the outset, the vision was to deliver a stadium and public realm that seamlessly blends cutting-edge design with respect for its historic dockland context. Hardscape was entrusted to supply and help shape the extensive external hard landscaping, ensuring the materials chosen would stand up to both the scale of the stadium and the character of its setting.
Working closely with Planit, MEIS Architects & BDP Pattern, main contractor Laing O’Rourke and specialist paving contractor Vetter, Hardscape provided expertise across design development, material selection and delivery. The result is a landmark project that redefines standards for sports venues, embedding durability, sustainability and design excellence into every aspect of the external spaces.
Design & Material Selection
The journey began with an intensive design and specification process, with Hardscape guiding the client team through extensive material evaluations.
Bespoke site visits were arranged to review Kellen paving mould sizes, finishes and colour palettes, including hand-selecting the distinctive blue glass content for the unique BMD paving mix. Our collaboration with Planit was key here in developing their paving strategy when it came to selecting the new and reclaimed materials.
Hardscape also co-ordinated trips to European quarries, processing and manufacturing facilities, giving stakeholders first-hand insight into the sourcing, quality and performance of the granite and Kellen paving selected for this landmark scheme.
Sustainability & Recycling
Sustainability was at the core of delivery. Hardscape Surfaces reclaimed original dock edges, reconstituting them for re-use around the site perimeter, while 300 tons of granite cobbles were carefully split for easier reinstatement. This approach ensured continuity with the historic fabric while reducing waste.
Specialist Contributions
Welsh company Studmarc supplied 2,000 linear metres of bespoke stainless-steel tactile guidance strips, supporting inclusive design across the extensive public realm.
Materials Supplied
- 25,000 m² European Granite paving (flamed tops):
Oro Cristal Yellow 100x100mm, Imperial 100x100mm, Crema Julia 100x100mm - 3,000 m² repurposed granite cobbles (300 tons)
- Black granite directional tactiles
- 2,000 m² Drainjoint permeable solution
- 10,000 m² bespoke Kellen Breccia, Liscio & Lucida Alpi paving (various sizes)
- 115 m² Kellen Breccia Tagenta B setts (100x100mm)
- Silver Grey kerbs
Conclusions – Merging the Past and Present
“As a lifelong Everton fan, the opportunity to lead the design of the public realm was a dream come true. Our vision was to create a space that honours the area’s rich history while embracing modern and inclusive design – a destination worthy of both Everton Football Club and the city of Liverpool. From preserving the original harbour wall, old railway tracks and mooring posts to integrating elements like The Everton Way (36,000 engraved cobblestones featuring fans’ messages etc), planting and seating – we’ve brought together the past and present to create a lasting legacy.”
Sean Swarbrick – Lead Landscape Architect, Planit
The Hill Dickinson Stadium landscape is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation and detail. From quarry to quayside, Hardscape worked with the client team to create a scheme that honours the dock’s heritage while delivering a world-class public realm for generations of fans.
By combining advanced technical expertise, sustainable practices, and a passion for design excellence, Hardscape has helped shape a destination as enduring and iconic as the club it serves.