Caldecott Park
CALDECOTT PARK GETS A MAKEOVER WITH NEW RAILINGS AND GATES
When Caldecott Park in Rugby was being considered for refurbishment, the gates and railings were an important part of its regeneration. Having lost the majority of its perimeter railings to the war effort back in the 1940s, the park was long overdue to have railings fitted that marked out its boundaries and provided protection for the park as part of securing its long term future.
Landscape architects and project management company Scott Wilson, working on behalf of Rugby Borough Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund, specified railings and gates from bespoke metalwork manufacturer Alpha Rail. The company had worked with Alpha Rail before to supply railings to the prestigious Battersea Park in London, a project in which the railings have been recognized for their aesthetics and high performance.
Alpha Rail supplied 770m of 1.5m high railings in a vertical bar style with a spiked head to provide enhanced security benefits. Alpha Rail also design-assisted the project, working with Scott Wilson to take inspiration from lamp stands in the park that had a pineapple motif and incorporating this into the design of an aesthetically pleasing finial integrated at regular intervals at the head of the posts. Working with Fitzgerald Contractors, Alpha Rail supplied the railings in galvanized steel, which were site painted to produce a stunning effect. Alpha Rail also supplied eight gates in the same complementary style of vertical bar incorporating the decorative pineapple finial.
The refurbishment of the park included new footpaths, a new café, creation of a warden’s office, replacement of a shed, production of a replica fountain, the refurbishment of a band stand, the introduction of a number of sculptures and the creation of a new children’s play area, as well as new plantings being introduced across the park.
For the play area, Alpha Rail supplied 40m of interlaced bow top railings at 1m high to provide a secluded and protected area for young families. Like the perimeter railings, these were site painted, but in yellow, green and blue to complement the bright colours of the playground facilities.
Mike Cox, Senior Landscape Architect for Scott Wilson, explains: "The park was established in the early part of the 20th Century and it was important that we could replicate and complement the Victorian style of that era. As there was little evidence of what the original railings looked like, we worked closely with Alpha Rail to come up with an authentic design for the railings and the finials that would complement and be in keeping with the area. We are delighted with the overall effect and it has received a very positive response from local residents to whom the park is very important."
Sales Director at Alpha Rail, Phil Ball, explains: "This was a great project to be involved with. We have worked with Scott Wilson and Fitzgerald Contractors on a number of Parks before and recognize how important it is that the railings and gates enhance and complete their surroundings. It was great to be able to take inspiration from the park itself to create the pineapple finial for the railings, which really become its hallmark and certainly provide a stunning perimeter to this attractive area of Rugby."
Alpha Rail has over 20 years’ experience in manufacturing railings and gates and counts many local authorities, housing associations and private developers amongst its customers. The company has gained a reputation in the industry for the quality of its products, which are backed up by exceptional customer service.
