There was a clear requirement for the paving to provide Southwater One with a physical and symbolic link between the bold, unapologetically modernist external appearance of the development and its natural surroundings. The Siena pavers addressed that specification; the warm, sandy, tones blending with the surrounding natural landscape. In addition, the use of Wienerberger’s Mastiek and Auraton pavers, with their clean grey finishes, created a crisp waterfront patina.

The finished development is intended to create an exciting commercial space, while also providing a sense of tranquillity and solidity. The use of clay paving has helped to realise this, with its natural durability addressing the latter, while the laying pattern and colouration contribute to the former. With both the rigid stretcher pattern and the more sporadic herringbone technique being employed, the retail scape is afforded both consistency and variety.

Ultimately, the project’s architectural ambition promises to provide a high functioning retailscape from which Telford can develop its business, retail, commerce and public facilities. Southwater One stands as a testament to the vision of urban planners, and the intelligent application of building materials and techniques.