Eccles Products Delivers Bespoke Architectural Grating for Sheffield City Centre
Project:
Sheffield City Centre Pedestrianisation Works
Challenge:
Sourcing a bespoke drainage grating design to complement a historically sensitive area.
Solution:
Custom-manufactured architectural gratings inspired by local historic buildings.
Application:
Drainage channel gratings in a pedestrianised city centre.
The Project & Drainage Challenge
A major pedestrianisation project was undertaken in the heart of Sheffield City Centre by contractor J McCanns on behalf of Sheffield City Council. The work involved the installation of 110 meters of new drainage channels. The standard ductile iron gratings supplied with the channels were deemed unsuitable by the city planners, as their design did not fit the aesthetic of the historically significant area. The council specifically requested a unique, architectural design that would resonate with the patterns found on nearby historic buildings. The design for the new grating was directly inspired by the Sheffield City Town Hall. The large-scale manufacturer was unable to produce a small quantity of bespoke castings, leaving a gap that needed to be filled.
The Eccles Products Solution
When the enquiry for a custom-made grating landed on our desk, we recognized it as the perfect challenge for our expertise in bespoke, one-off projects. We responded immediately, with our team visiting the site to take precise measurements of the existing channels. This quick and confident approach allowed us to rapidly develop a solution for J McCanns and Sheffield City Council.
- Custom Design: We designed and manufactured a bespoke grating that met the required specifications and the council’s unique design aesthetic.
- Rapid Turnaround: We quickly provided a detailed proposal including costs and a production plan, securing the order shortly after the initial enquiry.
- Expert Manufacturing: Our production plan involved manufacturing new tools and casting 220 new gratings to fit perfectly into the existing channels.
The Result
With the new gratings delivered, J McCanns’ skilled team successfully replaced the standard gratings. The new custom-designed gratings transformed the aesthetic of the drainage channels, seamlessly integrating with the new stone paving and honoring the historical integrity of the city centre. This project highlights Eccles Products’ ability to provide high-quality, tailor-made solutions that meet unique design and aesthetic challenges for critical urban infrastructure projects.
