Matting Makes an Entrance for St Paul’s Church

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Esplanade 1500 primary barrier matting from contract interiors specialist Gradus has created a safe and attractive entrance to the newly restored and reordered St Paul’s Church in London.

Built by the famous parliamentarian William Wilberforce in 1833, the Grade II listed building has recently undergone a 3 year, £2.3 million restoration and reordering. The works have seen a parish church in the West Barnet Deanery extended to the north side to create a new entrance foyer and the church reordered to give additional seating and greater flexibility of use. In addition, an impressive new community facility has been developed in the Crypt, complete with chapel, meeting room, and William Wilberforce exhibition space.

Ideal for interior locations subject to medium to heavy foot and wheeled traffic, Gradus’ Esplanade 1500 primary barrier matting was installed in three locations throughout the Church, including the new entrances to the Crypt and the extended north side, which now provides disabled access.

Specified in Tempestas (black) to help disguise any marks and dirt, the matting will help to maintain the appearance of the Church flooring, by reducing the amount of moisture and soil tracked into the building. It will also help to reduce the risk of slip accidents by keeping the floors dry.

Tracey Welch, Product Manager for Gradus Barrier Matting, comments: “In a building as unique as this, it is crucial to maintain the appearance of the carefully restored flooring. By installing a matting system, the flooring is now protected from any damage caused by the debris carried on footwear, wheelchairs and pushchairs.”

Based on a combination of aluminium scrapers and polypropylene wipers, Esplanade 1500 allows for and does not impede the movement of wheelchairs. By providing a smooth transition from the mat to the surrounding surface, this helps building owners to meet the requirements outlined in Approved Document M of The Building Regulations 2000 and BS7953:1999.

Christina Wong, Assistant Project Co-ordinator at St Paul’s Church, says: “The restoration project has been a lengthy but very rewarding process and we are all incredibly pleased with the results so far. Now that the Crypt has become a real community facility for schools, families and worshippers, it was important that the chosen matting was hardwearing enough to cope with the increased number of visitors. The matting from Gradus is certainly durable, plus its dark colouring looks great in our new entrances and adds the final finishing touch.”

Esplanade 1500 is available in closed, open or scraper construction and comes in a choice of four colours. To create a fully co-ordinated barrier matting system, it can be used in conjunction with Boulevard 1500 secondary barrier carpet.

For further information on Gradus barrier matting, contact 01625 428922 or visit www.gradusworld.com.

For information on St Paul’s Church Restoration and Development Project, please visit www.stpaulschurchmillhill.co.uk or telephone 020 8906 3793.