Before temporarily closing the Hornby Visitor Centre for refurbishment works, the site owners decided to upgrade the perimeter security with Jacksons Fencing.
Owned by Locomotive Storage Ltd, the visitor centre in Margate, Kent, showcases rare products and displays from the Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix and Corgi archives.
Founded in 1901, Hornby is famous for being one of the UK’s leading brands for model railways. Throughout its history, the company has regularly had to move its production to larger premises due to the success of the train modelling industry.
As part of the work, the chain-link fencing which had fallen into disrepair and no longer provided the necessary security, was to be replaced with Jacksons welded mesh fencing.
Jacksons supplied and installed 270m of EuroGuard® Regular welded mesh fencing at 1.8m high, set in concrete on over length posts, at 3m centres along the boundary.
The fence was supplied with additional Polyester Powder Coating, in green RAL 3005 which provides a more pleasant and traditional appearance than the previously existing chain-link fence. This was one of the key requirements for Hornby, who wanted to create a welcoming and safe environment for the children and families who visit.
Security was also a major consideration when choosing Jacksons welded mesh panels. Situated along a busy road on the edge of an industrial estate, the assets within the buildings and warehouses require protection from vandalism and theft. Equally important, the visitors, many with young children, need to be protected from the dangers presented by nearby traffic. The close apertures of the V mesh profile ensure there are no hand or foot holds that possible intruders could use to climb over, and vandal proof panel to post fixings help to protect against attempts to break through the fence.
The installation at Hornby is just one of many in recent years, having previously supplied traffic arm barriers for entry and exit to the centre in 2008, and in 2011 installing Barbican® Imperial double leaf swing gates with manual and automated operation, to allow control of vehicles and pedestrians within the site. The original barriers and gates are still in operation today.