Unafor Urban Projects
Aston Villa FC
Aston Villa Football Club sought a tailored solution to upgrade their stadium’s temporary security to a permanent solution without compromising its vibrant team spirit. They needed bespoke bollards in the iconic claret colour, blending robust protection with a design that proudly reflects their identity. A challenge perfectly suited to Unafor’s expertise.
The Challenge
Aston Villa Football Club wanted to enhance the security of their stadium by switching from a temporary to semi-permanent security solution without detracting from the iconic look and feel of their historic grounds. They sought a solution that combined robust protection with a bespoke design that celebrated the team’s iconic colours—a challenge Unafor was ready to tackle.
Unafor’s Bespoke Response
Our team designed bespoke bollards in the club’s signature colour, providing effective security while harmonizing with the stadium’s aesthetics and fan-friendly atmosphere.
The Unafor Difference
By working closely with Aston Villa, we developed a solution that balanced form and function. We prioritized security without compromising the visual and emotional connection fans have with their team’s stadium, ensuring the bollards were both protective and emblematic of the club’s identity.
The Result
The result is a seamless evolution from temporary security to permanent security measures that integrate both protection and pride, creating a space that fans and visitors can admire and trust.
Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace, a historic venue in Alexandra Park, required an efficient temporary road closure solution to ensure visitor safety during events, given its location on a strategic route. Unafor provided a bespoke solution using easily removable Core bollards adapted for roadway installation, featuring durable cast-iron access covers. The bollards are quick to deploy and remove, requiring minimal maintenance.
The Challenge: Temporary road closure for event visitor safety
The well-loved and iconic Alexandra Palace has been home to many famous and eclectic events, and with its location within the famous, 196-acre Alexandra Park has been providing visitors with wonderful memories since 1896.
With Alexandra Palace way being a borough strategic route and passing through the centre of Alexandra Park, an efficient road closure method that could be deployed to protect these visitors was needed
Unafor’s Bespoke Solution: A bespoke Unafor Core adapted for carriageway installation
As the Unafor Core bollards are easily removable, Unafor was able to to offer a bespoke solution, specifically adapted for roadway installation and featuring D400 rated cast-iron access covers.
The Unafor Difference: Ease of installation and ease of deployment
With a busy event schedule, installation of the proposed solution had to be seamless so as not to interfere with event planning. Another important factor to consider was the reoccurring deployment of the removable bollards. Unafor Core bollards are easily removable by two persons, with deployment and removal taking place in a matter of seconds.
The Result: Certified, deployable road closure solution for the protection of a crowded event
Utilising the Unafor Core has ensured that Alexndra Palace has an IWA certified solution for temporary road closure, and a solution that is effective, simple and fast to operate. With no automation, maintenance requirements are also minimal.
Bradford City
Bradford’s city centre, steeped in history, was in need of a refresh. Funded by the government, a multi-million pound project aimed to revitalize the area, but safety remained a paramount concern. The challenge was to create a vibrant and modern space while prioritizing pedestrian safety, particularly with increased foot traffic and potential events.
The Challenge: Revitalizing a City Centre While Maintaining Safety
Bradford’s city centre was in need of a refresh. A multi-million pound project aimed to revitalize the area, but safety remained a paramount concern. The challenge was to create a vibrant and modern space while prioritizing pedestrian safety.
Unafor’s Bespoke Solution: Unafor Modern Bollards with Stainless Steel Shrouds
Unafor delivered a solution that seamlessly blended aesthetics with functionality and security: the Unafor Modern bollards with stainless steel shrouds
The Unafor Difference: Design Meets Durability
Unafor Modern bollards offer several advantages:
- Enhanced Safety: These robust bollards create a secure barrier for pedestrians, protecting them from vehicular incursions.
- Modern Aesthetic: The sleek design of the Unafor Modern bollards, accentuated by the stainless steel shrouds, compliments the revitalized city centre.
- Removeability: Certain areas required the possibility to remove the bollards when necessary.
- Durability: Unafor bollards are built to withstand harsh weather conditions and everyday wear and tear, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Unafor’s solution created a safe and visually appealing space whilst prioritizing their safety.
The Result: A Vibrant and Secure City Centre
This project, featuring Unafor Modern bollards, exemplifies the power of thoughtful design and paves the way for a more enjoyable city centre experience for all.
Motorpoint Arena
Unafor worked with our client to design a bespoke Core system with customized foundations to ensure optimal pedestrian flow while maintaining high-security standards. Unlike surface-mounted planters, this impact-tested and certified solution offers robust protection, cost-effectiveness, and improved pedestrian accessibility, ensuring the safety of visitors without compromising the venue’s functionality.
The Challenge: Inconspicuous HVM solution to provide protection for leading entertainment venue
Since the world-class venue now known as Motorpoint Arena first opened its doors to the public in 2000, it has become a hub for live entertainment in the East Midlands, with a visitor capacity in excess of 10,000.
With the main entrance to the Arena and Bolero Square being adjacent to a busy road, an inconspicuous HVM solution was required to protect visitors.
Surface mounted planters previously suggested were rejected due to their inability to prevent vehicle access.
Unafor’s Bespoke Solution: A bespoke Unafor Core, optimised for maximum pedestrian flow
Located at the main entrance to the Arena and on publicly owned land, special consideration had to be taken to ensure that there was adequate pedestrian flow, both through the line of protection and along the pavement adjacent with it. Unafor’s bespoke solution included customised foundation units to accommodate these site-specific requirements
The Unafor Difference: Impacted tested and certified solutions adapted for site-specific conditions
Using RSES registered engineering professionals, Unafor were able to adapt the tested and certified Unafor Core configuration to suit the unique requirements for this location.
The Result: A more robust but cost-effective alternative to surface mounted HVM measures
A robust, cost-effective alternative to surface-mounted planters – a solution that offered better pedestrian flow and a greater level of protection for the visitors.
Chester Racecourse
Unafor was a perfect partner to supply and adapt the Unafor Core to fit the specific requirements of protecting spectators and the public during race days. The removeable element of the Unafor posts means it can adapt to risk throughout the season, so they can be removed on non racing days yet provide safe and inviting spaces when there are crowds.
The Challenge: Balancing Security with Aesthetics at Historic Racecourse
Chester Racecourse, boasting the title of the world’s oldest operational racecourse, welcomes over 330,000 visitors annually. The challenge was to implement a solution that effectively addressed safety concerns without compromising the historic charm of the racecourse.
Unafor’s Bespoke Solution: The Removable Unafor Core System
Unafor rose to the challenge with the ingenious Unafor Core system. This innovative solution is a removable security barrier, specifically designed for temporary crowd control needs, making it perfect for race days at Chester Racecourse.
The Unafor Difference: Adaptability Meets Aesthetics
The beauty of the Unafor Core system lies in its adaptability.
- Targeted Security: The system allows for strategic road closures and adjustments on race days, creating secure zones for large crowds.
- Preserved Heritage: Unafor Core’s removable design ensures minimal disruption on non-race days. The barriers disappear, leaving the surrounding roads around the historic racecourse untouched aesthetically.
In this project, the Unafor Core system not only addressed safety concerns but also respected the historical significance of Chester Racecourse.
The Result: A Secure and Enchanting Racecourse Experience
The implementation of the Unafor Core system successfully balanced the need for enhanced security with the preservation of the racecourse’s surroundings and historical charm. This resulted in a safe and enjoyable experience for all racecourse visitors.