The Mander Centre is a covered, pedestrianized shopping complex based in the heart of Wolverhampton. This shopping complex comprises of more than 150 shops and a multi-storey car park and service deck area situated directly above the shopping centre, and houses 500+ parking spaces for shoppers and the local community.

The original waterproofing design comprised of Mastic Asphalt, which had been overlaid using a coating system; however this had failed over time and had come to the end of its natural lifecycle.

The original waterproofing design comprising of Mastic Asphalt, had served the Mander Centre well for many years, therefore it was the natural choice to use this methodology again. A Permapark Mastic Asphalt system was used in conjunction with Permascreed to improve and increase the falls, and replace the failed screed. Mastic Asphalt was the perfect material to use for this project as we were able to lay the waterproofing membrane directly onto the Permascreed after an hour of installation, this ensured the shopping complex was kept waterproofed from the outset which is not always possible with alternative materials as they require a longer drying period.

This project proved challenging as we were required to work in phases on a live car park which was in constant use throughout the duration of the works. The Mander Centre was also undergoing major refurbishment to the actual shopping centre at the time so collaboration with other Contractors was incredibly important to ensure safe access and egress, and space to store materials was considered by all parties. The only access to the works area was via an exit ramp, therefore this proved challenging as access had to be timed perfectly with other Contractors to ensure any time critical works were completed as per the programme. All exits from the multi-storey car park required strict traffic control and forward planning to ensure this did not cause inconvenience to car park users. It was also important to ensure safe systems of work were operated at all times to ensure Health and Safety remained of paramount importance to the public, client and other contracting companies working on site

This was a major refurbishment to an old style shopping centre and car park. The refurbishment to the car park and shopping complex ensured the complex stands the test of time over the coming years and was bought into the modern day.

Phil Gibbs, Project Manager at Bowmer and Kirkland said “This complex and logistically challenging project required a sub-contractor with extensive experience in the laying of Mastic Asphalt and the ability to work in live environments around the public. Having worked on similar projects previously, we have been impressed with the professionalism and skill displayed by Rio Asphalt and Paving Co. Ltd, They were the perfect choice to carry out the project at the Mander Centre.”

Square Metres: 11,500 sq.mtr

Value: £1.9 million

Product used: IKO

Sector: Retail