Thornton Street, Hartlepool

Railings Provide The Finishing Touch To Regenerated Area in Hartlepool. Supply and installation of galvanized and polyester powder coated rooted sphere top railings.

A beautifully landscaped, enclosed area has been created in the centre of one of Hartlepool’s residential neighbourhoods. The aim was to upgrade the appearance and improve the sense of community spirit that the area has enjoyed in the past. Three blocks of Victorian-style terraced houses were knocked down to make way for an attractive enclosed park with a grassed area, fencing and seating, which was opened in Easter 2008.

The area, known as the Urban Park is located in the heart of Hartlepool on Thornton Street and forms part of the plans to transform this once rundown area by Hartlepool Revival, a local regeneration company. High quality railings were specified by Anthony Walker & Partners Architects from bespoke metalwork manufacturer Alpha Rail.

The overall effect is stunning, as Phil Ball, Sales Director of Alpha Rail explains:

“This was a great project to be involved with. It just shows how important railings are not only to make an area more secure, but also to define its boundaries and add to its style. It was really important to provide railings that would complement and enhance the local environment and look like they had always been there.”

The Nottinghamshire-based manufacturer produced a bespoke design of railing that was chosen to complement the existing street scene of the nearby Victorian properties. Alpha Rail design assisted, supplied and installed 238m of plinth wall railing (1500mm high) with decorative finials, as well as single and double leaf gates and wall top railings, creating a completely enclosed and safe area for local residents to relax and enjoy their new surroundings.

The highlight of the design of the railings is the decorative finial. The architect took his inspiration from a design he had seen for a railing produced by Alpha Rail surrounding an Arboretum in Derby and recognised how it would enhance and upgrade the area. All railings and gates were supplied fully finished in a long lasting black powder coating, which is designed to withstand weathering and damage. Back stay supports were provided to give the railings added rigidity and to minimise the risk of vandalism.

Alpha Rail worked closely with contractor Lumsden and Carroll. This included site survey and installation to meet the project’s strict timescales.

Alpha Rail, which is based in Nottinghamshire, has over 25 years’ experience in urban regeneration, green space and park restoration. The company provides a bespoke service for architectural metalwork and has supplied many prestigious projects as well as many new and refurbished housing estates with new gates and railings, making a real difference to the local community.