The Public, West Bromwich
Click on image to enlargeA combination of interior and exterior barrier matting from Gradus is creating clean, safe and attractive entrances to The Public; one of Britain’s largest cultural projects and the first ever major arts centre in Sandwell.
Topguard and Topguard Plain primary barrier matting has been installed in four entrances to the innovative new £57million centre, which contains an interactive gallery, as well as a theatre, performance spaces, exhibition spaces and a cafe.
The high performance matting prevents dirt and moisture from being tracked onto the surrounding floorcoverings, creating a safer environment for staff and visitors by reducing the risk of slips, whilst minimising cleaning and maintenance costs and improving the appearance of the interior.
Specified in grey (inside) and black (outside), the matting disguises dirt and marks to create a clean appearance and was manufactured in a circular shape to complement the centre’s contemporary interior.
Designed to cope with heavy foot and lightweight wheeled traffic, Topguard is suitable for the most demanding interior applications, where frequent cleaning is required. Topguard Plain is suitable for exterior installation and is most effective when combined with interior matting.
David Clarke, Project Director of The Public comments: “Over 8000 people visited The Public during our opening weekend in June and a further 2000 visitors have enjoyed preview tours over the Autumn, so it was crucial that the entrance matting could cope with high levels of visitor footfall. As an organisation very much focused on visual appearances, it was also important that the matting would blend with the building interior and protect its iconic design. Gradus matting delivered on both counts.”
Funded by the Arts Council England, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and Advantage West Midlands, The Public forms part of a wider regeneration scheme in West Bromwich.