Bespoke elements formed a key part of reinforcing the identity and storytelling within Scouting Square. Working in close collaboration with
Wirral Council,
Wirral Growth Company,
Planit,
GRAHAM and
Mott MacDonald, Hardscape Surfaces translated the design vision into a series of carefully crafted public realm features that celebrate Birkenhead’s rich heritage and civic identity.
Materials & Craftsmanship
Manufactured at the Hardscape Surfaces production facility, the bespoke seating combined precision-crafted Egerton Holcombe sandstone with Iroko hardwood elements produced in collaboration with
Urban Concepts. Skilled stonemasons worked closely alongside CAD and production teams to develop detailed manufacturing drawings, ensuring every component aligned accurately with the wider public realm layout and installation requirements.
The Egerton Holcombe sandstone seating units were shaped, profiled and finished using a combination of CNC machining and traditional hand-finishing techniques to achieve crisp detailing and a refined tactile quality. Specialist engraved motifs and fabricated phosphor bronze plaques were then carefully integrated into the units, celebrating key aspects of Birkenhead’s history including the Scout Movement, Birkenhead Park and the Cammell Laird Shipyard.
Further bespoke craftsmanship was incorporated into the paving itself, where intricately etched scouting badge emblems were precision-cut and integrated within the Egerton Holcombe sandstone surfaces. Through specialist engraving and finishing processes, these subtle interpretation features help embed the story of Scouting Square directly into the public realm, creating moments of discovery and strengthening the connection between place, heritage and community.
Hardscape Products supplied a coordinated palette of materials including
Kellen CERO paving, Kobra Green granite and a blend of Egerton Holcombe sandstone, carefully selected to create a robust and visually unified surface.
Finished Project Photography: Eden Photography (Greater Manchester).
