Friars Walk, in the heart of Newport, South Wales, is a 390,000 sqft retail and leisure development which forms part of the ongoing city-wide regeneration of Newport.

Set to open in November 2015, Friars Walk will become a major destination for people in the area and beyond looking for shopping and entertainment. The project features a new plaza with an 8 screen Cineworld cinema, plus 11 restaurants and 34 retail units which will house major high street brands including Debenhams, Topshop and H&M. Friars Walk will cost £90m in total and will bring some much needed leisure space to the area.

Waterproofing expertise

SIG Distribution Bristol were involved in the project at the early stages when contractors Bowmer Kirkland Ltd required waterproofing materials for the project. Joe Dennehy, SIG Distribution Branch Manager, “We were happy to support the project using our experience of working on similar jobs in the past, and were able to help and advise the customer throughout the process to establish the correct support chain”

Sika waterproofing solutions

A number of waterproofing materials from Sika were specified for this project including Sika Proof A-08, SikaSwell A2010, A2005, Sikadur 31, Sikalastic 1K and Sika Watertight Concrete. Joe Dennehy explains why Sika Watertight Concrete and Sikaproof A-08 in particular were chosen, “Sika Watertight Concrete and Sikaproof A-08 have been used to waterproof the lower buildings on this project, combining pre- and post-applied details. Designed to BS8102 grade 3 and BS8485 (gas protection), the engineers on the project, Waterman Consultants, wanted a waterproofing solution which met both codes and was flexible enough to meet different site details and these products did just that.”

Working closely with Sika meant Joe and the team at SIG Distribution Bristol were able to specify the right solutions to ensure that regulations were met for the customers. The project is on track to be completed in November 2015, just in time for the busy festive shopping period.