Modern Safety Meets Victorian Heritage
We’re proud to share our latest project – a stunning frameless glass balustrade installation at the former railway goods shed on Rowlands Road, Summerseat. This Grade II-listed building, dating back to 1847, presented us with a unique challenge: creating contemporary safety solutions whilst preserving nearly two centuries of railway heritage.
The building sits beside the Bury to Rawtenstall East Lancashire Railway. It houses a remarkable piece of Victorian engineering—a fully operational hand-cranked crane that has remained in place since the railway’s early days. Our brief was clear: install modern safety barriers without compromising the historic character or obscuring views of this engineering masterpiece.
The Technical Solution
Our installation features 21.5mm opaque toughened laminated glass panels seamlessly integrated with sleek stainless steel handrails. This specification provides superior safety performance – even if damaged, the laminated construction keeps glass fragments safely contained whilst offering the weather resistance essential for this exposed railway embankment location.
The opaque finish was deliberately chosen to provide privacy whilst maintaining the clean, frameless aesthetic that doesn’t compete with the Victorian ironwork. The brushed stainless steel handrail creates a perfect contrast, offering corrosion resistance and low maintenance, which is ideal for a heritage building.
Heritage Building Expertise
Working on Grade II listed buildings requires specialist knowledge beyond standard fabrication skills. The 1847 construction used different engineering principles from modern methods, demanding careful consideration of:
- Heritage compliance through detailed conservation impact assessments
- Material compatibility that complements rather than compromises the original construction
- Structural integration respecting Victorian load paths and fixing methods
- Regulatory navigation across different local authority approaches
The Frameless Design Advantage
The term “frameless” refers to the clean visual appearance, with no posts or frames interrupting the glass panels. However, significant engineering ensures structural integrity through structural aluminium base channels that distribute loads effectively whilst allowing for building settlement and thermal movement.
This approach preserves uninterrupted sightlines to showcase the hand-cranked crane whilst meeting contemporary safety standards. The frameless design creates a clean, modern contrast to the building’s industrial heritage without overwhelming the original architectural features.
Regional Heritage Experience
Our work across the North West England region has developed particular expertise with Victorian industrial architecture. The railway boom of the 1840s left this area rich in heritage buildings requiring sensitive modernisation.
These structures typically feature substantial structural capabilities that can accommodate carefully designed modern additions, large window openings maximising natural light, and robust original engineering built to last with proper maintenance.
Installation Process
Our systematic approach ensured minimal disruption to this sensitive heritage site:
Heritage Assessment: Structural survey and heritage impact evaluation, ensuring minimal disruption to historic fabric whilst establishing regulatory requirements.
Design and Engineering: Load calculations appropriate for 1847 construction methods with connection details respecting Victorian structural principles.
Precision Manufacturing: Custom fabrication accommodating building irregularities with quality control testing, ensuring all components meet specifications.
Expert Installation: Careful fitting using methods protecting historic surfaces, with progressive testing and comprehensive handover documentation.
Project Challenges Solved
Every heritage project presents unique challenges. Victorian buildings often have narrow access routes, requiring careful planning for material handling. Historic construction rarely follows modern dimensional standards – our precision manufacturing process accommodates these variations whilst maintaining perfect visual alignment.
The railway embankment location required enhanced weather resistance specifications, while heritage protection necessitated detailed documentation and protective measures throughout the installation.
Why Choose NW Fabrications for Heritage Projects?
This Summerseat project demonstrates capabilities that make us the preferred choice for heritage balustrade installations across the North West England region:
Specialist Heritage Experience: Understanding of listed building regulations, conservation requirements, and established working relationships with heritage professionals and conservation officers.
Technical Expertise: Structural engineering capabilities, precision manufacturing, and quality control systems meeting both modern safety standards and heritage preservation requirements.
Regional Focus: North West England specialisation with understanding of local planning authorities and established relationships across Manchester, Lancashire, and Cheshire.
The Results
The completed installation demonstrates measurable success, with zero damage to the historic fabric during installation, enhanced presentation of Victorian features through improved sightlines, and full compliance with building regulations while respecting heritage requirements.
The frameless glass balustrade now provides essential safety while allowing the remarkable hand-cranked crane to remain the focal point it deserves, creating a perfect balance between modern functionality and heritage preservation.
Contact NW Fabrications
The Summerseat Railway Goods Shed project represents the kind of heritage balustrade installation we deliver throughout the North West England region. Whether you’re working with Victorian industrial buildings, Georgian residential properties, or other heritage structures, our expertise ensures solutions that enhance both safety and the architectural value of these structures.
Get in touch today to discuss your heritage balustrade requirements:
📧 Email: info@nwfabrications.co.uk
🌐 Website: nwfabrications.co.uk
📍 Service Area: North West England, including Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire
Specialising in: Frameless glass balustrade installation, heritage and listed building projects, steel fabrication and architectural metalwork for commercial and residential applications.
With proven experience delivering successful heritage projects, we understand the unique challenges historic buildings present. Contact us today to discuss how our expertise in frameless glass balustrade installation can help you achieve the perfect balance between heritage preservation and modern safety requirements.
NW Fabrications: Professional frameless glass balustrade installation across North West England. Specialists in heritage buildings, listed property projects, and architectural steel fabrication.
