Bideford Quay, Devon

An improvement scheme along the historic quay of Bideford in North Devon, which combines separate projects by the Environment Agency, Torridge District Council and Devon County Council, has resulted in the choice of 4,500 m2 of Charcon EcoPave to provide a coherent hard landscaping link between all three.

As a focal point for a revitalised area and because of its location at the start of the Tarka Trail and National Cycle Network, the regeneration of Bideford Quay was important to both the local community and the Leisure Industry. A solution was required that was highly aesthetic and that would not overwhelm the traditional surroundings, but at the same time this solution had to be sustainable.

Meeting the brief for the Bideford Quay project was the catalyst for Charcon developing its award winning EcoPave product. Charcon was able to develop a manufacturing process able to produce a range of paving that is not only the most sustainable available but can help local authorities meet set environmental quotas, under Agenda 21. The use of secondary aggregates and cement replacement gives the product its unique appearance and the project has become a CABE Case Study in good landscaping design.

"Charcon EcoPave matched our requirements for an economic and sustainable material and a simple colour palette to reflect the tradition and heritage of Bideford as well as its modern aspects.

The fact the product mix uses the most sustainable resources and is produced locally at Rockbeare, were also key factors in our selection of EcoPave. The size of the paver has transformed the area into more of a boulevard for pedestrians, and its aesthetics mix well with the generous granite kerb used and the coping on the flood defence wall."

Dan Hutchinson, Urban Design Officer, Devon County Council

Product features

1. EcoPave flag paving is suited to both new and established townscapes in town centres, pedestrian areas and shopping precincts. EcoPave is highly aesthetic and durable, with the Black Fleck finish becoming a firm favourite with specifiers looking for a sustainable product that is also exciting to work with. The finish has been designed to be reminiscent of granite. Ecopave is suitable for all pedestrian areas, and areas with vehicular overrun, subject to the correct design procedures being followed*.
2. The inclusion of secondary aggregates such as china clay stent, blast furnace slag, and cement replacement, makes EcoPave one the most sustainable paving products
   on the market today. Furthermore the production process has been adapted to use less energy, and fully recycle the water used in the manufacturing of the product.