As part of a £31m urban regeneration scheme, Hardscape helped to transform Redcar and Cleveland’s Leisure and Community Heart in North Yorkshire. Surrounding a popular leisure centre, the area is also home to civic facilities and a prestigious business centre which have an influential role within the town.
Throughout the design process Hardscape collaborated with Redcar & Cleveland Council, Oobe Ltd Landscape Architects and Willmott Dixon Ltd Contractors, as well as the public and other key stakeholders.
The brief
The vision was to revamp the community area into a dynamic new space to attract visitors and encourage business growth. For continuity, the design needed to compliment the nearby seafront which draws on the flow of water movement and constantly changing coastline, and also incorporate historic inspiration, such as the industrial alchemy of the area.
Hardscape’s role was to use modern hard landscaping techniques and supply high quality materials for the area spanning over 5,000m squared.
Materials Used
The paving and hard landscaping features used a multi-tonal colour palette in earthy blends to compliment the sand-coloured leisure centre building.
Materials used included Kellen Lavaro due to its sand-like appearance while Kellen Perlano added elements of intrigue with a unique grainy textured surface created using a mix of shells and aggregate. The larger chunks of blue and green coloured stones dispersed throughout the paving also reference the swimming pool and sea. Both products provide durability and a slip-resistance surface.
Beautiful bespoke Kilkenny Blue Limestone kerbs and walling were used to finish the scheme and define walkways, containing naturally-forming fossils in eye-catching patterns. The dark grey colouring provided further contrast against the surrounding lighter paving.
Results
The new state-of-the-art complex includes swimming pools, a wave simulator, cafe, a register officer, fitness suites and conference facilities, providing around 260 new jobs and offering local people a variety of activities.
In addition, the council chambers, the mayor’s parlour and small and medium sized business facilities are also situated in the prestigious space.
Managing director at Hardscape, Mathew Haslam said, “This was yet another exciting project to be involved with for Redcar as we recently updated the nearby seafront. We used similar materials to reflect the style of both projects to create a seamless, harmonious finish. The prominent and popular location is all set with beautiful hard landscaping to welcome visitors and a place local residents can be proud of.”
