Swindon Town FC Community Foundation Installs a Spectator Canopy at Foundation Park
Read More
Alton Towers Installs Fabric Canopies for New Bluey Rollercoaster
Alton Towers is one of the largest theme parks in the UK and attracts approximately 2.5 million guests each year. The resort has a large site with rides, hotels and family areas.
With the development of a new Bluey ride within CBeebies Land, there was a need to create a sheltered area for the maintenance team. The management required a simple but effective canopy solution to shelter staff during all weather conditions.
Project Overview
Maxima StarSail®
-
Steelwork:
White - RAL NO. 9010
-
Roof:
Raspberry
Challenges
- Unpredictable weather conditions: Rain and wind made it very difficult and unpleasant for maintenance staff to work outdoors.
- High traffic area: CBeebies Land is always busy with families moving in and out constantly, therefore work areas must remain safe and clear at all times.
- Visual fit: The canopies must compliment CBeebies Land’s themed appearance.
Our Solution
After doing a site assessment of where the maintenance staff work on a daily basis, A&S Landscape chose a solution that was both practical and would look great.
Three Maxima StarSail™ canopies were installed, measuring 4000mm x 4000mm, and placed so that they provide full coverage of areas where employees regularly carry out checks and repairs.
Each canopy is manufactured from waterproof fabric to ensure that employees can continue working, even if it is raining. The design of the canopies allows for the maintenance staff to feel comfortable in a bright and airy environment.
The StarSail™ design offers maximum coverage and its contemporary look made it an ideal choice. The layout allowed ample room for movement with total protection of equipment and tools.
Key Features and Materials
- Structure: Use of a steel frame construction coated with Duracoat™ finish to prevent wear and provide an exterior that is clean.
- Roofing: Poly-tuff™ fabric is a waterproof PVC that will block rain and will be durable for several years.
- Design: The StarSail™ shape is made with varying heights on either end of the structure to enable faster water drainage.
- Sides: The design has open sides to ensure a constant flow of air, thus eliminating the potential for heat to build up.
- Posts: Steel posts provide a strong support.
- Flooring: The flooring was installed over the existing ground surface. If required, Quartz Safety Surface™ resin can be used to improve traction.
Results
- All-weather work: The maintenance staff can now work in inclement weather without disruptions to their work flow.
- Improved safety: The canopied areas will offer increased safety for slips and provide dry, organised space for tools to be stored safely.
- Better comfort: Employees will have shaded and dry space where they can work each day, improving the overall comfort of the employee.
- Seamless fit: The canopies blend well with the themed area and do not stand out.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates the impact that a relatively simple canopy solution can have on daily operations. StarSail™ structures provide reliable cover while allowing for an open area with a clean look.
The maintenance team now has a weatherproof area in which to complete their tasks. This helps to keep the new ride operational for guests.
A&S Landscape provided a solution that meets both the functional and aesthetic requirements for the maintenance team. The end result is a safer and more comfortable working environment for the staff at Alton Towers.
