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Important footpath re-opens

A popular thoroughfare in Norwich city centre has re-opened following extensive resurfacing works carried out by Ayton Products, on behalf of Norwich City Council.

The footpath, which gives access to the medieval St Stephen’s Church and Church Yard and links Theatre Street with the busy Chapelfield Shopping Centre, had worn out prematurely due to the heavy foot traffic which was concentrated along its narrow length, leaving uneven and unsightly areas.

Ayton Products Specialist Surfacing Division, in conjunction with Norwich City Council and the Churchwardens, Architect and Priest in Charge of St Stephen’s Church, identified a much harder wearing replacement surfacing which would also meet the aesthetic requirements of the ancient Church and Church Yard.

A natural Riven Buff Indian Sandstone, interspersed with Granite Setts to delineate the church’s west door and adjacent paving, was selected and approved through a Faculty authorising the works, and installation was carried out by Ayton Products specialist sub-contractor Lomax Landscapes during June and July.

Kate Knights, Design and Conservation Officer Norwich City Council, said: “In conjunction with the Church, we chose the Indian Sandstone because of its close match to existing York Paving on site, its proven durability and rich variety of natural colours which complements the surrounding area, as well as meeting required ethical considerations’. 

Sally Ward, Senior Landscape Architect added: “I was impressed with the quality of the product and the workmanship, which has added value to this important project and high profile site.”

The contract met with some additional challenges due to renovation works being carried out in parallel at St Stephen’s Church, as well as the nearby Marks & Spencer store, and material deliveries and work programmes had to be carefully scheduled.

But all credit to the team, who completed the works to programme, as well as carrying out some extra works to install additional drainage channels, a cable duct and remedial work on a headstone monument adjacent to the footpath.

Tony Hipperson, General Manager Ayton Products, added: “II was pleased that this scheme has met with expectations. Thanks to the cooperation of the Church, it’s Architect, Norwich City Council and our contractors, the footpath was able to re-open as scheduled with the minimum of disruption.”

Peter Carroll, Senior Churchwarden, said: “Everyone connected with St Stephens is delighted with the surfacing which enhances this fine old church and gives safe and easy access to our west door entrance from both Theatre Street and Chapelfield. We look forward to the many visitors that this will bring in the future.”

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