The new Chatham Waterfront bus station forms part of a £6 billion Medway regeneration plan. Its distinctive curved VMZINC® standing seam canopies and flat lock fascias in QUARTZ-ZINC® give it immediate visual identity, in complete contrast to the 1960s station within the Pentagon shopping centre which it replaced.
The VMZINC system was specified by infrastructure specialist D5 Architects and installed by Roles Broderick Roofing. Zinc’s malleability made it the logical choice for a design incorporating a series of tight and sweeping curves. The canopies form what has been described as ‘organic, soft-edged objects floating over space’ and will retain their colour as the pre-weathered zinc will patinate in the normal way.
There are now six VMZINC pre-weathered PIGMENTO colours, including Blue, Green, Red and Brown. These are created using modern pigment technology but retain the naturally grained texture associated with pre-weathered QUARTZ-ZINC. The result is a revolutionary new look unlike any other offering excellent colour retention. As they are not coatings, any scratches will re-form their protective patina making surfaces effectively maintenance-free.
Chatham bus station is close to the proposed Chatham Docks World Heritage Site and set within the existing busy road network. With 20 bus stands and a new information centre, it occupies a position between the town centre and open parkland adjacent to the River Medway. Mature trees which surround it have been retained, with the roof forms described as ‘articulated to sit within the landscape to provide continuity and contrast’.
