Project Evaluation
THE NATIONAL
EXHIBITION
CT CENTRE BLOCK
CTBLOCK
Created by
Project Evaluation - The NEC THE CLIENT The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham is one of the UK’s leading international conference and event locations. The 610 acre site attracts more than four million visitors annually. With 20 interconnecting halls, at the heart of the UK’s transport network, the NEC stages around 140 trade and consumer events each year, ranging from world-famous public shows such as Crufts and Clothes Show Live, to huge international trade exhibitions like IFSEC and Spring Fair, Birmingham.
THE BRIEF The NEC management team tasked Townscape to design and install a system to deter and prohibit any possible hostile vehicle attacks within main public arenas and halls. Townscape was also asked to develop perimeter protection for the LG Arena, the area of the NEC dedicated to live events, which has recently undergone a multi-million pound renovation.
THE INSTALLATION Townscape manufactured and installed 192 of its PAS 68 approved Counter Terror (CT) Blocks around the Plaza, Atrium and LG Arena at the NEC. The CT Blocks were used alongside PAS 68 static and hydraulic bollards. To fit into the existing surroundings, Townscape created a range of specially developed coloured aggregates for its CT Blocks to complement existing paving and landscaping features at the NEC.
THE RESULTS The bespoke hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) system for the NEC will stop a 7.5 tonne vehicle traveling at 40mph and the CT Blocks can be multifunctional as Townscape developed PVC sleeves for the blocks so they can be used by the management team for promotional advertising and directional signs. A further phase of CT Blocks is due to be installed at the new Resorts World Casino, currently under construction at the NEC.
The Insight Telephone: +44(0) 1623 513355 Fax: +44(0) 1623 440267 Email: sales@townscape-products.co.uk www.townscape24.com www.concretebarriershq.co.uk Townscape Products Fulwood Road South Sutton-In-Ashfield Nottinghamshire NG17 2JZ UK
The work we’ve completed for the NEC shows how versatile the CT Blocks are, they provide strong perimeter protection to some of the busiest areas of the NEC whilst blending into the existing creative landscaping. The PVC sleeves create an additional use for the CT Blocks which can be used for advertising, promotions and directional signs. Jonathan Goss, managing director, Townscape Products Ltd