For several years Evergreens have been asked to cover the Granary Square steps with artificial grass for the summer months to provide a unique leisure space in the heart of the city.
The project’s brief was to cover the steps for a 3-4-month period, but due to its popularity, now stays for over 8 months. It was vital that the granite steps should not be damaged or have anything stuck to them, had to be vandal-resistant and had resistant to high winds and heavy rain.
One option was to totally cover the steps with ply and then bond the synthetic grass to it, but we soon realised that this was not only un-economic but also too time-consuming, as the project had to be completed quickly and with minimal disruption to the area.
A new method was devised which would have a small impact on the installation costs but provide a very fast and simple way to fix the grass without fixing to the steps. At the end of each summer the artificial grass surface is removed and leaving no trace on the granite surface.
During 2020 the installation was delayed during the Covid-19 lockdown. Once non-essential shops were permitted to re-open the installation was completed in one day.
To assist with social distancing and reduce the available space, ice lollies and sun beds were installed before the space was opened to the public.
