Context

Castle House, a £15.4m centre for public services, has been built in the centre of Newcastle-under-Lyme. The multi-purpose building will be the base for services from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Police and Aspire Housing.

Queens Gardens, the small park and pedestrian area next to the building, needed to be surfaced in a material that was durable, complemented the surrounding area, and that would also showcase Castle House.

Product supplied

NatraTex Colour® Terracotta was chosen to bring some vibrancy to the small park. As there is a lot of footfall in the gardens, the surface was adapted to be more fibre-enhanced. This improved resistance to stresses and created a more durable product.

Outcome

The park is situated within the ring road and is a key feature in the borough, with its colourful pathways and vibrant flower beds. This was a key factor in the rejuvenation as the garden has been used annually as part of the Britain in Bloom celebrations.

Queens Gardens has been described as “a jewel in the town centre's crown” by local councillor Ann Beech.