ACCESS ALL AREAS FOR KENT'S NEWEST RETAIL DEVELOPMENT

Aluminium floor access panels from Howe Green, the UK’s leading developer and manufacturer of floor, ceiling and wall access solutions, were the specified product of choice for Kent’s newest major retail development.

Main contractor, Laing O’Rourke, were commissioned for the new extension to County Square shopping centre in Ashford, and required easy, economical access to its concealed services.

They specified a total of forty two, made to measure, unsealed and double sealed aluminium floor access covers from Howe Green’s 7500 series for the existing centre so that it matched the extension, which has almost doubled the original size of the shopping centre.

Howe Green’s access covers can be fitted quickly and unobtrusively into all types of hard floor finish offering easy access to all building services such as plumbing, electrics etc. The panels are designed to be ultra durable, making them ideal for heavily trafficked areas such as shopping centres.

The unique, patented covers are precision made to avoid distortion, with cover sections tapered for easy removal. Top edge and double seals on the aluminium covers help to prevent dirt, grout and grinding waste from penetrating the joints between the cover and frame. Base plates and reinforcements are made from stainless steel to resist corrosion. An added advantage is that the covers have no fasteners to rust or break.

All of Howe Green’s extensive range of products, including wall, ceiling and floor access panels are made to the client’s exact specifications. The company will produce any size of panel for its customers, without the cost implications usually associated with made to measure products.

The project has taken just two years to complete, at a contract value of approximately £4 million. With the help of Howe Green’s access covers, County Square shopping centre is revitalising the shopping experience in Ashford.