The Engineering Challenge
The project sits within a highly sensitive environment, adjacent to the Grade I listed Llangollen Bridge — known as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales — and within the setting of a World Heritage Site.
The design team needed to balance:
- Improved pedestrian and active travel connectivity
- Minimal visual and physical impact on heritage assets
- Long-term durability in a riverside environment
- Safe, accessible surfaces in areas subject to wet conditions and heavy footfall
The new access structures needed to integrate seamlessly into the historic context while delivering modern standards of safety, longevity and low maintenance.
A Durable Access Solution in a Heritage Setting
To meet these requirements, Dura Composites supplied:
- d² Dura Slab Structural Stair Treads for the new stepped access to Llangollen Wharf
- d² Dura Grating 53mm Solid Top in Dark Grey for the new ramped access into Lower Dee Mill Park from Mill Street
The dark grey finish was selected to complement the surrounding materials while maintaining a discreet appearance.
The d² Dura Grating Solid Top solution was particularly suited to this application where no light transmittance or drainage through the walking surface was required. The solid surface prevents debris falling through and provides enhanced opacity compared to open mesh systems.
Both products incorporate Dura’s advanced anti-slip surface, independently tested for long-term performance in high-footfall environments, retaining excellent slip resistance in both dry and wet conditions.
Engineered for Longevity and Sustainability
The selected GRP solutions provide significant performance advantages over traditional materials such as timber in public realm applications. Key benefits include:
- 60-year design life
- 25-year warranty
- Lightweight, high-strength construction
- Non-corrosive and non-conductive performance
- Hidden fixings and built-in riser details to minimise trip risks
- Slight design fall to prevent water pooling and reduce winter ice risk
Compared to other GRP materials, the d² solutions from Dura offer a lower embodied carbon design, improved durability and full recyclability at end of life, supporting the sustainability objectives of the Levelling Up programme and Denbighshire County Council.
The structural capability of the stair treads, including clear span performance up to 2 metres and compliance with required loading criteria, simplified installation while reducing the need for additional supports.
Delivered on Programme
Working within the constraints of a live town centre environment and complex heritage approvals, the Four Great Highways scheme required careful coordination with Cadw, Natural Resources Wales and conservation stakeholders.
The collaborative project team successfully delivered the access improvements on programme in line with Levelling Up Fund milestones, ensuring timely completion and handover.
Results and Impact
- New stepped access to Llangollen Wharf using d² Dura Slab Structural Stair Treads
- New ramped access into Lower Dee Mill Park using d² Dura Grating 53mm Solid Top (Dark Grey)
- Enhanced pedestrian connectivity between Llangollen’s four historic highways
- Durable, low-maintenance access structures within a heritage-sensitive setting
- Improved safety through advanced anti-slip surfaces
- Lower embodied carbon design compared to traditional materials
- Market-leading recyclable solutions with long-term performance assurance
- Delivered on programme under Levelling Up Fund requirements
