Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham

Montpellier Gardens, Cheltenham

Client: Cheltenham Borough Council
Architect: LDA Design
Type of works: Natratex from Bituchem specified as hard landscaping solution.

Designers at Montpellier Gardens in Cheltenham have specified Natratex from Bituchem as an attractive, cost-effective and time-saving hard landscaping solution.

Cheltenham Borough Council’s redevelopment of Montpellier Gardens near the centre of the town was a Heritage Lottery Fund project to restore the historic park to its former splendour and included the resurfacing of the existing pathways.

Landscape architects and contract administrators LDA Design sought to replace the pathways with a robust surface that would also reflect the beauty of the local architecture. David Chanter of LDA Design said, “The paths were tarmac and in very poor condition. We wanted a surface that would combine a wearing course with a gravel-effect finish.”

As a result, Bituchem met with designers and council members. After visiting another Natratex project near Bristol, organisers were so impressed they immediately awarded Bituchem the contract.

Natratex is a hot applied process with a similar manufacture and application method to that of traditional macadams, yet forms a fully bonded, natural-aggregate wearing course with the soft appearance of natural stone. The aggregate can be locally sourced to blend perfectly with its surroundings, and is a cheaper alternative to other surfaces.

Natratex can also be applied in nearly all weather conditions and offers a quick installation time. This was another important consideration for designers, David Chanter added, “Working towards the official reopening of the gardens to the public, it was of great benefit that Natratex is quick to apply in all weathers.”

Montpellier Gardens has been open now for six months and LDA Design is delighted with the end result. The resurfaced pathways are long lasting and sturdy enough to withstand the park’s maintenance vehicles. Commenting on the finished project, David Chanter said, “Since the park’s reopening we have nothing but positive comments. The effect and colour of the pathways give us the finish that we were looking for and complement the refurbished buildings within the garden and the Georgian architecture enclosing the site.”

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