Client
Next Retail PLCLocation
Riverside Retail Park, NorthamptonContractor
RTS ContractsFinal Contract Value
£150,000Completion Date
June 2014Project Brief
UK Retailers Next Plc recently commissioned the re-fit of one of its stores after buying the adjacent Brantano store to expand its existing retail space.
Situated just outside Northampton town centre on the Riverside Retail Park, the changes involved converting the old Brantano store into a Next store. With the two stores now combined into one, the installation of three brand new customer staircases was required to give customers improved access to the first floor.
The essential solution
Following a successful competitive tender process, Essential Projects was contracted by RTS Contracts to design, supply and install three styles of staircase as well as glass balustrade and handrails which fully comply with health and safety regulations.
The straight feature customer staircase was designed to suit the profile of the adjacent escalator.
The 90º staircase was designed to incorporate the balustrade around the window display and also, the balustrade around the floor void in the Costa Coffee area.
The 180º staircase had to be designed to work with the glass lift to create a feature of the atrium. We also designed a full height balustrade glazed in to the underside of the staircase stringer.
The staircases were all constructed using a ‘pocket’ stringer detail to give a seamless glass balustrade. This open riser design has great advantages allowing vision through the staircase whilst also allowing light to otherwise dark areas of the store.
