Clear advantages at Arkoni Arcade job

West Yorkshire metalworking firm Arkoni has put a fire-rated finishing touch to one of the most iconic and unique Victorian shopping malls in the UK.

The impressive Grade II listed Silver Arcade, situated on Silver Street in the heart of Leicester, was built in 1889 by architect Amos Hall and is the only four storey Victorian arcade of its type in Britain.

It closed its doors in 2001 but is currently undergoing a radical £3 million refurbishment that will transform it into a unique retail experience for shoppers visiting the East Midlands city with an official opening scheduled for September 2013.

Arkoni worked on behalf of arcade owners Lukegate, to supply and install Jansen Economy 60 steel screens and doors sets, glazed with a mixture of butt jointed Schott Glass Pyran S and fully framed Vetrotech Pyroswiss glass.

The Brighouse firm specialises in the manufacture and installation of architectural metalwork features such as fire-rated glazing and accompanying curtain walling, canopies, balustrades, staircases and other fully bespoke features.

Their craftsmanship is on show at many iconic locations around the UK such as Manchester United's Old Trafford football ground, the Tate Modern gallery and O2 in London

Managing Director and founder Mark Prentice is delighted to have added the Silver Arcade to the list: "This is a genuine landmark in the city of Leicester and a great example of Victorian ingenuity and craftsmanship. Arkoni is pleased to have played a part in its revival.

"The fire-rated glazing has been installed at the front entrance vestibule area and on every landing on the fire escape to form a full compartmentation area in case of fire.

"The Jansen Economy 60 system is a perfect fit for this project given the spaces we worked in and the required flexibility of the glazing framing.

"The Jansen frame incorporates fire-rated Pyran S glass ceramic glazing, developed in the USA, and Pyroswiss glass that provides an effective barrier against smoke, flames and hot toxic gases.

"Both glazing systems employed conform to the most stringent of European regulations and certifications offering shoppers and shopworkers security and peace of mind in the unlikely event of fire" added Mark.

For more details visit www.arkoni.co.uk.