Bluewater: Twelve years on

Bluewater in Dartford, North Kent is one of the biggest and most popular shopping centres in all of Europe. Bluewater boasts 330 of the finest stores and restaurants plus three leisure villages with some of the biggest and most influential names in retailing under one roof.



As well as unique shops, bluewater also plays host to a crazy golf course, ultimate driving experience and fun filled pedalo’s.



When the £400 million centre opened in 1999, intrinsic features were the bespoke metalwork balustrades which were finished by Kent based steel finishing specialist Medway Galvanising. Now twelve years on, the centre still retains its contemporary and unique design, due in large part to the quality and longevity of its finishes.



Set in a reclaimed former quarry and built complete with cinemas, shops and restaurants, the unique architecture of Bluewater sets it apart from other shopping destinations. Bluewater’s three malls are styled like canopied streets with ornamental balustrades and handrails on two floors and topped with glass sided domed roofs.



At this high quality retail development, Medway Galvanising worked with architectural metalwork engineer Alan Dawson Associates on a short-lasting and powder coating solution for the balustrades that was not only in keeping with the ornate design but also ensured long term protection.



"Bluewater was a prestigious project for Medway and with millions of people visiting the centre every year it was vital that the steel finishing was of the highest standard" said Michael Large of Medway Galvanising.



To provide a vibrant, durable finish, Medway Galvanising applied a comprehensive shot blasting and powder coating solution to the black metalwork. This included a zinc phosphate galvanising pre-treatment, and a two part powder coating system comprising Syntha Pulvin in matt and a clear coated powdered lacquer to ensure colour retention.



"Medway Galvanising carried out extensive coatings packages for us over the years because of the unrivalled quality of their work, totally reliable service and the benefits of their ‘one stop shop’ which avoided the sort of surface finishing problems we so often experienced when using separate hot dip galvanisers and polyester powder coaters" said Alan Dawson of Alan Dawson Associates.



Operating to stringent quality control processes and fully accredited to all the latest BS and ISO standards, Medway Galvanising ensured all works were completed to the highest quality possible to provide a low maintenance finish and long lasting performance, with a 25 year guarantee.