Client: Bluewater
Type of works: provided a shotblasting and powder coating solution for balustrades

Bluewater in Dartford, North Kent is one of the biggest and most popular shopping centres in all of Europe. When the £400 million centre opened in 1999, an intrinsic feature of the site was the bespoke metalwork balustrades which were finished by Kent based steel finishing specialist Medway Galvanising. Now twelve years on, the centre still retains its contemporary and unique design, due in large part to the quality and longevity of its finishes.

Set in a reclaimed former quarry and built complete with cinemas, shops and restaurants, the unique architecture of Bluewater sets it apart from other shopping destinations. Bluewater’s three malls are styled like canopied streets with ornamental balustrades and handrails on two floors and topped with glass sided domed roofs.

At this high quality retail development, Medway Galvanising worked with architectural metalwork engineer Alan Dawson Associates on a shotblasting and powder coating solution for the balustrades that was not only in keeping with the ornate design but also ensured long term colour retention in the centre.

To provide a vibrant, durable finish, Medway Galvanising applied a comprehensive shot blasting and powder coating solution to the black steel. This included a zinc phosphate pre-treatment, and a two part powder coating system beginning with a tough RAL 9006 matte undercoat and a clear coated powder lacquer to ensure the glossy appearance does not fade over time.

“Medway Galvanising has carried out extensive coatings packages for us over the years because of the unrivalled quality of their work, totally reliable service and the benefits of their ‘one stop shop’ which avoided the sort of surface finishing problems we so often experienced when using a separate hot dip galvaniser and anotherpolyester powder coater” said Alan Dawson of Alan Dawson Associates.

Operating to stringent quality control processes and fully accredited to all the latest BS and ISO standards, Medway Galvanising ensured all works were completed to the highest quality possible to provide a low maintenance finish and long lasting performance, with a 25 year guarantee.

With a reputation built on excellence, Medway Galvanising specialises in providing the complete galvanising and steel finishing service to a broad customer base across the South East. With 24-hour operation, an expert logistics department and a modern HGV fleet, they can provide a rapid and responsive service to customers on any project, any size.