Press Release: October 2009A decorative arch has been given pride of place at the entrance to a regenerated community garden in Stoke-on-Trent, with the arch produced by specialist metalwork manufacturer Alpha Rail.
The new community garden came about as a result of a partnership between Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire Housing Association and the local residents association, Stokevill Residents, in a project that aimed to regenerate a green space in the area.
The decorative arch replaced a high stone boundary wall, which was taken down and lowered in places to enable residents living on both sides to access the community garden. The area now provides a focal point and a gateway to Stoke town, creating a positive first impression for people coming into the area.
Alpha Rail supplied landscape contractors Jack Moody with the decorative arch and vertical bar railings that ran at either side of it. The bespoke metalwork specialist supplied the design to meet the architect’s exact specification, which was for an Art Nouveau style arch, featuring a motif that reflected the style produced at the local Minton Hollins tile factory. The world-renowned manufacturer, which was founded in 1895, was based on the same road in Stoke.
Alpha Rail reproduced the stunning motif as the centrepiece of the archway, which was produced from mild galvanized steel, to help instill a sense of pride into the area, as well as reflect its cultural heritage. Angela Gaffney, from landscape architecture firm Hulme Upright, said: “We felt that an ornate archway produced from metalwork would open up the garden and create an attractive focal point. As the archway lies alongside a road that is a main thoroughfare into Stoke, the archway will be seen by many thousands of passers-by every day. We are really pleased with the end result.”
Phil Ball, Sales Director at Alpha Rail, explains: “The decorative arch is an important feature of the area and has opened up the whole garden to both sides of the community. It required a quite intricate design, which took advantage of our design-assist services to produce a truly stunning result. Metal Railings and gates play an important part in enhancing an area and we were delighted to be involved in a project of this type that means so much to the local community.”
Alpha Rail has over 20 years experience in manufacturing railings and gates and counts many housing associations, private developers and local authorities 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.
For more information on bespoke architectural railings, contact Alpha Rail on 01623 750214 or visit the website www.alpharail.co.uk.
