Anti-ram blocks are helping to safeguard one of the UK’s highest profile visitor attractions against the threat of terrorism. Townscape Products Limited is supplying 47 Counter Terror (CT) Blocks, to stop vehicle-based attacks, to Titanic Belfast in Northern Ireland, in a deal worth more than £100,000.
The blocks, which come from the manufacturer’s Sutton-in-Ashfield factory, each weigh 2.2 tonnes and are made using a mix of aggregates. The make say that the blocks only require minimal groundwork due to their low profile foundation, making them cost effective to install without it’s claimed compromising on security. The blocks are in position where a building is vulnerable to vehicular incursion and meet the PAS 68 Standard for vehicle immobilisation.
Jonathan Goss, managing director of Townscape Products, said: “Visitor safety is of utmost importance and we worked closely with the architects and Harcourt Construction, who built Titanic Belfast, to supply Counter Terror blocks that are a proven, tested defence against vehicle based terror attacks.
“The CT Blocks we have supplied to Titanic Belfast are made from charcoal coloured aggregate which is sympathetic to the fabric of the building itself and contributes aesthetically to the destination overall. We were also able to incorporate visitor seating in a nautical theme into each block, giving them a practical use for visitors on top of enhanced security.”
Townscape Products has supplied its blocks to UK airports, including Manchester and Cardiff, and the Tower of London and other visitor destinations.
Jonathan added: “The owners of any venue where there will be a volume of people have a duty of care to protect their visitors. CT Blocks provide a solid, secure perimeter barrier which vehicular based terrorists would be unable to penetrate.
“Vehicle defence is definitely a growing market for us and we have a number of other high profile leisure, destination and retail projects in the pipeline.”
Townscape Products also makes a range of street furniture, log onto www.townscape24.com for more.
About Titanic Belfast
The venue enables visitors to re-live the Titanic story, from her birth in Belfast to the fateful maiden voyage and eventual discovery on the seabed. The museum is expected to attract 425,000 visitors annually and opened on March 31.
