Transforming Halesworth: New Wayfinding System Enhances Visitor Experience in Historic Suffolk Market Town
Halesworth is a charming market town just a few miles inland from the quintessential seaside town of Southwold.
Halesworth is full of character and is an ideal destination for locals and tourists alike to enjoy its history, with a large selection of independent shops, cafes and bars.
Halesworth Town Council along with other stakeholders had identified the need to update the continuity of its current wayfinding system to be more welcoming, showcasing all that Halesworth has to offer.
Peter McGrail of Streetwise Systems (www.streetwisesystems.com) was appointed to undertake a review of their current provision and develop a set of recommendations for a new system of wayfinding to include twin post displays, finger posts and wall panels. Peter’s review was then submitted through a public tender process which Mercury & Phillips Signs were granted.
The successful submission of our tender was based on cost, recognition of our understanding of the very specific requirements of the project and our previous experience in the field of large-scale wayfinding.
Jason Hollidge (Partner) worked closely with Peter to create a completely bespoke system covering all necessary aspects.
The project required the manufacture of 16 contemporary finger posts, 10 monolith twin post displays and 10 wall panel tray signs.
All hardware was manufactured in aluminium with a 4-stage process powder coat finish giving a minimum 10 year life expectancy, with little to no need for maintenance other than the occasional clean down.
The graphic trays and monoliths included a faithfully reproduced map, illustrated with historical images of landmark locations in the area, direct printed in a stove resin finish, giving long term U.V. and anti-graffiti protection against weather conditions and the vagaries of potential vandalism.
Full site surveys and CAT scans of all sign locations were undertaken by Jason and our site team, with local authority permits being sought in advance to ensure the installation took place in a timely manner with the minimum disturbance of the town residents, visitors and stakeholders.
The installation required excavation through historical cobbled paviers and the laying of new DDA compliant paving. All surfaces needed to be made good to the original finish including sourcing ‘like for like’ replacement materials.
David Lines – Town Clerk; From start to completion of our Town Wayfinding system, our experience of Jason and his team at Mercury Phillips was an excellent one.
All stages of the project were thoroughly discussed, with ideas and suggestions being freely considered, there was regular, open interaction with the installation team as it progressed, any potential difficulties were addressed early, and everything was in place on time and within budget.
The response from residents and visitors alike has been overwhelmingly positive and the Wayfinding system neatly dovetails into our “virtual signage” on our recently developed “Visit Halesworth” website.
As such, I have no hesitation in recommending Mercury Phillips – in my view, a highly professional and multi-skilled organisation – to anyone as their chosen contractor for similar works.
