Project Overview
As part of the Government-backed Levelling Up initiative, Stoke-on-Trent City Council launched a programme to address anti-social behaviour, drug activity, and rough sleeping across the city.
The Council required a long-term solution to secure vulnerable alleyways, public spaces, and sensitive sites through the installation of robust gates, railings and fencing systems.
Following a competitive tender process, Boundary Gate & Barrier was appointed to deliver a two-year programme of manual and automated gate installations across multiple high-profile and public-facing locations.
The Challenge
The installations needed to be highly secure and anti-vandal, incorporating features that prevented tampering or forced operation, while also remaining visually sympathetic to their surroundings.
Many locations were situated within or adjacent to listed and heritage buildings, meaning designs had to carefully match existing architectural styles and comply with planning and conservation requirements.
In addition, each site presented unique constraints, requiring bespoke rather than standardised solutions, and all works had to be delivered safely within busy public areas with minimal disruption. Balancing security, aesthetics, compliance, and programme timelines created a complex and technically demanding brief.
Tender Awarded in Feb 25. Completed by March 26
Budget to Complete Works: £200,000
6th Project Undertaken by BGB for Customer
Full In-House Design and Manufacture of Gates
Our Approach
- Our in-house gate design and manufacturing team designed a secure and anti-vandal solution, preventing any persons reaching through the vertical upright bars.
- Numerous site surveys to check what design would be appropriate for the challenge.
- All proposal were individually quoted.
- Liaison with Project Head (Yvonne) and end-user retail outlets to identify best solutions.
Delivery & Implementation
A structured mobilisation plan ensured effective control of cost, time and quality:
- Initial spreadsheet pricing across all areas.
- Sites transitioned to bespoke pricing as designs developed.
- Installation programme tracked against target dates.
- Weekly Teams progress meetings with stakeholders.
- Ongoing management of planning-related delays.
Outcomes
Improved Community Safety
Secure gating has reduced unauthorised access and helped deter anti-social behaviour in targeted areas.
Sensitive Heritage Integration
Installations blend seamlessly with historic and listed environments.
Controlled Budget Management
Costs carefully managed through staged quotations and approvals.
On-Time Delivery
18-month planned programme maintained with transparent progress reporting.
Strong Client Relationship
This project represents the sixth successful collaboration between BGB and the Council.
I have been working with Boundary Gate & Barrier on several alley gating and railing and fencing schemes.
This scheme is our 6th project together where I have worked closely with Tim Gatehouse on highly complex programmes.
From the beginning it was very apparent that Tim had multiple years of experience. This knowledge was both extremely useful and practical when showing him the areas of concern during surveys.
He designed the ultimate solutions for the areas presenting challenges, including matching listed premises assets and producing custom built proposals with drawings for approval.
Tim continues to provide efficient project management and takes control of any aspect requiring attention. The support behind him is equally effective, with rapid updates on manufacturing, pricing and order processing.
I enjoy working with BGB and the overall professional experience, and would happily recommend them to other commissioning organisations.
There were many examples of where gates had to be custom built to remain in-line with listed premises, a good example being the Town Hall Gates. A set of 3, beautifully ornate design with gold tipped decoration.
