Installation begins on the second phase of glass panels in Kendal
It's taking place at the Waterside as part of the Kendal Flood Scheme
The Environment Agency is working with contractors VolkerStevin to install the next section of innovative glass panels as part of the Kendal Flood Scheme.
When complete, the self-cleaning panels will total 577m of glass flood wall to better protect residents and businesses in the town and maintain the historic, scenic views of the river Kent.
The new glass panels being installed at Waterside in the centre of Kendal, are part of the multi-million-pound investment by the Government to improve flood protection to over 1,400 homes and more than 1,100 businesses in Kendal and across the area as a whole.
The glass created for the Kendal scheme is not only self-cleaning but also designed with sleek slimline frames to maximise the glass viewing areas whilst maintaining the required strength.
The flood walls are finished in natural stone from a local quarry with the panels made of high-performance glass within a high specification stainless steel frame.
The glass used as part of the innovative flood wall design, is a bespoke creation developed in partnership with Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, and chemical and materials manufacturer Kuraray.
The slimline steel frames have been designed and manufactured by Flood Control International which together has brought a collaboration of market leaders.
Richard Knight, Environment Agency’s Area Flood and Coastal Risk Manager for Cumbria said:
“The installation of the glass panels is a very visible part of the flood scheme and has been designed to take in the feedback from residents, to maintain the views of the river Kent.
“We have been able to use glass technology specifically for Kendal to ensure protection, retain views and provide a defence which requires low maintenance for the community.”
Pilkington Glass Marketing and VA Manager, Leo Pyrah said:
“This project has been one of collaboration and innovation to ensure that we provide residents of Kendal with a solution that not only benefits them in terms of safety but remains unobtrusive to the town’s landscape and heritage.
“Our work with Kuraray has enabled us to provide a sophisticated glass solution that will stand up against the harshest conditions. The addition of our self-cleaning technology means that residents can rest assured that the proposed flood defences will remain clear, needing little maintenance throughout its service.”
Ray Moulds of Flood Control International who manufactured the steel frames said:
“The design of the panels has been to be beautiful as well as functional. They have been designed to maximise visibility through them and appear is if the glass is raising from the stone.”
The glass features alternating layers of glass and interlayer to create a 35 mm laminate, with toughened Pilkington Activ™ as the outer panes and a toughened 12 mm Pilkington Optiwhite™ middle pane.
The installation of the new glass panels is being led by the Environment Agency, delivered by contractors VolkerStevin and supported by Westmorland and Furness Council and Kendal Town Council.
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