Project Description
In 2008, Truro opened Cornwall’s first permanent park and ride facility in the west of the city to reduce traffic congestion in the inner city. Traffic, however, continued to increase and reached 200 cars per day passing through the inner city to access the West Park and Ride installation, resulting in further congestion. Cornwall Council therefore created the East Park and Ride facility comprising 1,800 car parking spaces as part of a £9.6M regeneration scheme. The project won a number of accolades including the British Parking Awards 2009 ‘Best Surface Car Park’, and CEEQUAL awards in 2009 including ‘Excellent’ status with an overall rating of 87.8%, as well as ‘Highly Commended’ for the Landscape and ‘Highly Commended’ for the Ecology and Biodiversity in 2011.
The Challenge
As with the original scheme, the design focused upon the importance of sustainability and enhancing/protecting the local habitat and landscape. Planning limitations meant that the run-off from the site could not exceed pre-development levels. Cornwall Council decided to meet this requirement in part though porous paving. The site had a number of subsurface challenges from poor ground, to the need to avoid damage to archaeological features in this valley site. The car park was designed to maintain existing ancient hedgerows and follow the contours of the valley wherever possible.
The Solution
ABG Sudspave 40 permeable pavers were installed on a DOT Type 3 free draining structural aggregate to enhance surface water drainage and treatment in line with the SuDS plans for the site. Sudspave 40 porous pavers were supplied pre-assembled in 1 sqm panels for rapid installation. The panels were cut to fit the curvilinear shapes dictated by the varying contours of the site. The panels were then filled with a selected gravel or topsoil and seeded depending upon the required surface finish or trafficking.
Sudspave 40 plastic porous pavers are interlocking grids that can be filled with gravel or grass for a traffickable reinforced surface and is ideal for car parking bays, providing a SuDS source control compliant surface for stormwater management.
ABG Sudspave 40 is clipped together to create a continuous permeable reinforced surface. It is cut to fit the curving shape of the car park which fits the existing contours of the valley site. The high strength plastic supports the load of cars whilst allowing grass to establish quickly, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing finish.
The ABG Service
ABG takes a holistic approach to permeable paving solutions. The technical team considered the subsoil strength and permeability in conjunction with the surface durability and overall finish. ABG assisted the contractor with the approval process for durability and environmental impact considerations for this prestigious and busy site.
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