Summary

Hornbeck worked closely with Harlow Council to create signage for a heritage trail around the town. Barcelona monoliths, some illuminated in more central areas, in an eye-catching blue colour help visitors navigate and find out more about the town's history.

Background

The story of the UK’s new towns begins after the Second World War as a way of relocating populations living in poor or bombed-out housing. The first wave of ten new towns including Harlow were designated between 1946 and 1950. However Harlow’s history goes back well before this to Neolithic and Bronze Age remains, a small Roman town, an entry in the Domesday Book and subsequent as a quiet village.

This combination of a new town built around an existing village has resulted in an interesting mix of architecture, especially with the large amount of green space available – no less than 23% classified as Green Wedge.

Requirement

Harlow Council wanted to create a trail of interpretation signage showing some of the heritage assets within the town and Hornbeck was awarded the tender for this project. 

Work undertaken

Hornbeck worked closely with the Council to bring their ideas to fruition and installed a series of monoliths around the town at strategic locations.

Barcelona signage, which has been used in other iconic locations such as Windsor, was selected. In addition to the standard structures some solar illuminated monoliths were installed in the more central locations. 

Outcome

The distinctive light blue shade of the monoliths creates an eye-catching addition to the street scene and will help reveal the fascinating history of this busy place.