Project Overview
Woodbridge Vent Shroud
The Blackpool Central multi-storey car park was the flagship development in Blackpool’s town centre regeneration. As the first building to be delivered, it had to set a standard for design quality and durability, while fulfilling the highly functional requirements of a car park façade. The client, Ballast Needham, approached Locker Architectural for a solution that would combine marine-grade durability, ventilation performance, and aesthetic impact.
The vision was clear: a structure that would reflect Blackpool’s revitalised identity while providing long-term resilience in a harsh seaside environment. Expanded aluminium was chosen as the core material, ensuring strength, airflow, and architectural character.
Key points:
- Flagship project in Blackpool’s regeneration programme.
- First new building in the development.
- Design brief: flagship façade that is both functional and visually striking.
Project Highlights
Location
Blackpool Central, Lancashire, UK
Client
Ballast Needham (with system car park designer/contractor)
Mesh Type
Broadway Expanded Aluminium, Custom Formby Aluminium, Anti-Suicide Netting
Finish
Anodised Aluminium (fire resistant, marine resistant, 25-year warranty)
Fixing System
Bespoke Olympic Extrusion System + Carrier Rails
Key Challenges
Marine environment resistance, open-area ventilation, installation tolerances, fire resistance
Outcome
Completed on budget and on time; positive feedback from architect, contractor, client, and local authorities
The Design Brief
The client wanted a façade system that was attractive, functional, and enduring. Unlike a traditional utilitarian car park, this project was intended to become a landmark building. The design brief called for:
- High airflow through the façade to manage vehicle emissions.
- Fire resistance and compliance with rigorous safety standards.
- Marine resistance to cope with Blackpool’s coastal environment.
- Aesthetic impact: a building that would look good for decades as part of the regeneration scheme.
The Challenge
Delivering on the brief required overcoming both technical and logistical challenges.
Technical challenges:
- Achieving precise open areas while maintaining strength.
- Ensuring full fire resistance and compliance with regulations.
- Protecting aluminium against corrosion from salt-laden sea air.
Logistical challenges:
- Maintaining visual consistency in the aluminium across thousands of square metres, achieved by sourcing from consistent batches.
- Working with tolerances and irregularities in the steel frame, requiring a bespoke fixing solution.
- Designing a façade to withstand 50–60 years of storm resilience, independently verified by specialist engineers.
The Solution
Locker Architectural developed a system that directly addressed these challenges. The key innovation was the creation of the Olympic Extrusion System, designed to adapt to irregularities in the structural steel while creating a uniform grid for fixing mesh panels. This avoided the need for drilling holes in steel — which could have led to long-term corrosion problems — while ensuring the façade aligned perfectly.
We also worked closely with the design team to create a suite of mesh types for different parts of the building:
- Broadway Expanded Aluminium for high-airflow areas.
- Custom Formby Aluminium Mesh, designed and manufactured specifically for this project, to complement the Broadway pattern.
- Anti-Suicide Netting for safety, seamlessly integrated into the overall façade design.
Throughout the process, we provided technical advice, design drawings, and 3D design support to ensure the finished product met both aesthetic and engineering requirements.
Key points:
- Olympic Extrusion System designed to handle irregular steelwork.
- Bespoke aluminium meshes anodised for marine resistance and fire safety.
- Collaboration across architect, client, and contractor teams.
Product Details
- Materials Used: Anodised aluminium meshes (Broadway and custom Formby), plus anti-suicide netting.
- Finish: Anodised to provide a 25-year warranty against corrosion and colour degradation.
- Fixing Method: Panels mounted to carrier rails and brackets designed and fabricated by Locker Architectural.
- Customisation: Picture frames and bespoke penetrations for signage integrated into the façade.
- Testing: Systems independently verified by structural engineers for safety and long-term durability.
The Olympic extrusion system allowed us to overcome irregularities in the steelwork and achieve a façade that will stand up to the Blackpool environment for decades.
— Adrian Billingsley – Technical Director, Locker Architectural
The Olympic extrusion system allowed us to overcome irregularities in the steelwork and achieve a façade that will stand up to the Blackpool environment for decades.
— Andrew Campbell – CEO, Locker Architectural
Outcome & Feedback
The Blackpool Central MSCP façade was completed within budget and on time, with positive feedback from all stakeholders, including the architect, main contractor, client, and local authorities. The expanded aluminium meshes created a striking, high-performance façade that will continue to serve the town centre for decades to come.
The project was not just a success in its own right — it also led to further opportunities. The same consultant has already engaged the team for another multi-storey car park project, recognising the expertise and solutions delivered in Blackpool.
Key points:
- Project delivered on time and budget.
- Strong positive feedback from architect, client, and local authorities.
- Generated further project opportunities with the same consultant.
Planning a project in a demanding environment where aesthetics and performance must work hand in hand?
Contact Locker Architectural to discuss how our mesh systems can help you achieve your vision, or request a sample of our expanded aluminium meshes.
Mesh in this Project
Installation Techniques
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