N ‘ICE’ One Paul

An innovative concrete floor laid as part of the development of Manchester’s £1bn mixed use ‘community’, Mayfield, is giving skaters some unexpected Christmas cheer thanks to the installation of a temporary ice rink over the new surface.

Senior Partner, Paul Withers, along with supply chain partner, Nationwide Engineering, has developed ground-breaking construction technology – believed to be the first of its type in the world – resulting in the recent successful delivery of a ‘crackless’ graphene enhanced concrete slab featuring zero fabric reinforcement, fibres, saw cuts or construction joints.

Now, as part of the continuing development of the technology, Paul has designed a composite concrete and steel deck for a mezzanine floor within the old Manchester Mayfield Railway Station adjacent to Piccadilly Station, now known as ‘Depot Mayfield’ and part of the wider, iconic development.

The slab in question features graphene enhanced concrete, known as Concretene, a high- performing substance with rapid drying properties and enhanced strength.

“It measures 70m x 16m and was unreinforced with the exception of a metal decking soffit. The floor was laid in one big pour and as a result of the addition of graphene to create ‘Concretene’, we obtained virtual 28 days strength of concrete in just 24 hours.

“However, what I didn’t anticipate was subsequently seeing our ‘slab’ turned into a temporary ice rink in the run up to Christmas. I think that’s fantastic and it’s great to see lots of families making a temporary alternative use of our innovative development!”

Mayfield is being delivered by The Mayfield Partnership, a public private joint venture partnership between London and Continental Railways (LCR), Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester and regeneration specialist U+I.

Depot Mayfield, a 10,000 capacity venue, has been created to provide a platform for a diverse program of arts, music, industry, culture, and community events in a unique space showcasing Manchester’s industrial past.

The overall vision is to create a bustling world-class urban neighbourhood unlike anything else in the city.

“The Partnership is creating a family orientated development,” added Paul, “with the inclusion of a 6.5-acre public park, shops and leisure experiences as part of the overall experience. Nice to see that we have played a small part in enhancing the quality of local family life in the run up to Christmas.”

Concretene has also caught the eye of Greater Manchester’s Mayor, Andy Burnham and a series of public seats, made from the substance, can now be spied at various points across the city.

Client:             Mayfield
Contractor:      Nationwide Engineering