Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre

The Challenge

Situated above Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre, this busy car park was suffering from damaged asphalt. Car tyres had caused numerous dips on the surface and the curbs were also in need of repair.

These failings demanded a high-performance waterproofing and surfacing system, which could be installed while the car park remained open to the public.

The Solution

WestWood partnered with Everlast Group to deliver the £1m project.

To rectify issues with the asphalt deck, Wecryl 842, a fast-curing repair mortar was used to fill and level the defects.

As large humps of asphalt had been used to encapsulate the street lighting cables, these areas were cut out and new cabling installed. The surface was then reformed also using Wecryl 842. This solution removed the humps, preventing the risk of ponding water and achieving a more aesthetic finish.

New pedestrian walkways were coated with WestWood’s Wecryl 420. This resin was manufactured in a vibrant green colour to match the shopping centre’s branding and create a visual connection between the car park and retail space.

The Outcome

Wet weather during the works affected the schedule, but the impact was mitigated by the fast-curing properties of WestWood’s PMMA-based products, which ensured the retail units below the car park were kept watertight throughout.

The re-designed layout has improved vehicle flow around the main deck area and the brightly coloured walkways have made the car park safer for pedestrians. The client also benefits from a robust single point WestWood insurance-backed guarantee.

In recognition of the refurbishment’s success and complexity, the project was crowned ‘Waterproofing Project of the Year’ at the LRWA awards.