A Flexible Approach

The Challenge

Ahead of Derry-Londonderry’s City of Culture year in 2013, a number of projects to enhance the aesthetics of the city centre began in late 2012 – which included streetscape improvements.

The challenge for AG was to replace existing footpaths on Clarendon Street in Derry city centre with a durable product that would complement the old Georgian buildings in the conservation area, as well as an area around St. Columb’s Cathedral.

The Solution

After meeting with architects from the Department of Environment and Department of Social Development on-site, it was agreed that AG’s Manor Stone in the colour ‘Blackwater’ was the product best suited to the project.

Manor Stone’s aesthetics proved persuasive as it is manufactured from premium aggregates with a unique undulating surface and subtle waved edging giving the appearance of natural stone. It is further enhanced with granite chippings, giving it a sophisticated seductive shimmer.

Manor Stone is made to a depth of 50mm making it suited for pedestrian use only. However, on this project it became apparent that a depth in excess of 50mm was required to accommodate traffic mounting the pathways in the city.

To overcome this, AG purchased a new deeper mould to make a bespoke flagstone with a depth of 80mm that would withstand the weight of a vehicular access.

AG’s flexible approach was also required for the paving around St. Columb’s Cathedral as a new bespoke colour was needed to match the existing stone work in the conservation area.

This ongoing project has so far seen more than 6,000m2 of Manor Stone laid in the city centre.

“Our work in Derry city centre shows that we can provide high quality products that are suitable for large scale town redevelopment schemes. It also shows how innovative and flexible AG can be mid-project as we were able to adjust depths of the Manor Stone flags and create bespoke colours to achieve the client’s aims.”

David Speirs | AG Customer Account Manager.