The Priory Meadow Shopping Centre, in Hastings, was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1997. Shopping centre smoke ventilation systems often quite particular and this was a good example. The central glass arcade features key smoke control equipment that needed updating.
Challenge
To develop a new smoke control system for this retail arcade which works in harmony with a 30 year old glazed roof structure. The project also meant working at a high level and at night time - minimising distruption at this locally important retail centre.
Project
Priory Meadow, Hastings
Location
The key retail centre for Hastings Town Centre. A crucial part of the town's retail offer.
Goal
To carefully remove the existing smoke control system and to replace with an up to date robust smoke control system within an existing glazed structure.
Delta Response
The existing shopping centre smoke ventilation system was made up of glazed vents which architecturally fit in with the mall glazing. However, these had become worn and tired and water had begun to pool in the frames and spill over into the malls. A system of painted louvres was designed and developed that would sympathetically integrate into the glazed roof as well as fit within the budgetary requirements of the project.
These vents are much lighter than the original vents and could be installed within the existing glazing frames minimising the risk of future weather damage or leaks. The new vents are 24v control with insulated louvres. They were powder coated with a marine finish to preserve their life given the proximity of the shopping centre to the coast.
We established an extensive system of high-level temporary platforms and gantries to enable safe high-level working. We worked with specialist glazing contractors to install the vents into the existing glazed atriums. We also utilised the existing control cabling which meant that we had to carry out continuity checks and use a bit of detective work to locate cable routes so that the new vents could be connected back to the new panel. We also had to run large groups of cables through existing infrastructure back to zonal battery backup panels. Every aspect was carefully considered and planned for. Whilst this can be challenging work, it is always satisfying to be able to develop a highly effective new smoke control system in a retail environment that integrates seamlessly within existing infrastructure. A shopping centre smoke ventilation system that is almost completely hidden.
The project was delivered ahead of time and on budget.
