Wakefield Metropolitan District Council in partnership with English Heritage recently began a major refurbishment of Pontefract Castle with the replacement of a flight of steps taking visitors up to the Castle Keep.
The existing stairs were seriously eroded, rendering them unsafe. The job of replacing the steps is a big one, so the architects needed to ensure they would not need replacing again. Architects Lloyd Evans Pritchard contacted British Recycled Products looking for ideas on the best solution in recycled materials. The BRP technical team recommended using recycled plastic railway sleepers with aluminium anti-slip profiles, and designed steps according to the architects plan.
The recycled plastic sleepers were chosen due to their durability and lifespan, as the material does not rot or erode over time.
The recycled plastic material offered key advantages in ensuring the steps were safe for use. Recycled plastic has a rougher surface texture than wood, providing improved grip. Unlike wood it is also resistant to moss or algae growth, the presence of which is not only unsightly but also hazardous, making surfaces slippery underfoot. Using recycled plastic eliminated this problem, along with the need for treatment and maintenance.
These anti-slip qualities were significantly boosted with the integration of carborundum anti-slip treads, supplied by Quantick Systems.
These additions, set in aluminium profiles and fixed into rebates that were hand routed into the sleepers in the BRP workshop, provide durable anti-slip performance in both the wet and the dry. The anti-slip system also defines the step edges clearly. The visual contrast provided by the aluminium was key to achieving DDA specifications, without the need for garish markings.
The sleepers are made from 100% recycled plastic, made in the UK from UK plastic waste. More than six tonnes of plastic has been diverted from landfill by using recycled plastic sleepers on this project alone, and roughly 12 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions saved.
The installation is now complete and is part of a programme of works to unlock the potential of Pontefract Castle as a heritage and tourism destination, as well as safeguarding the site for use by future generations. These initial works will prepare the site for a further programme of conservation and development work throughout 2011/12.
Councillor David Dagger, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for culture, sport and libraries said: “The Council has already been working closely with local groups such as the Friends of Pontefract Castle to improve the castle’s appearance and facilities. This work will mark the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for the castle, and will help us to attract more visitors to the town and wider District, boosting the local economy.”
For more information on the use of recycled plastic in an upcoming project, or to speak to the BRP technical team please contact us on 01422 844716, or via email.
