Our expert team recently worked with the Merley Community Centre committee in Dorset to resurface their drive and upper car park, an area of 956m². The project involved excavation, new drainage, kerbing, and a complete asphalt resurfacing system.
The upgraded car park now offers safe access and a durable surface for daily community use.
About the Project
Merley Community Centre is a well-used venue, hosting events, clubs, and activities throughout the year. Its car park had deteriorated over time, with worn surfacing, drainage problems, and overgrown areas around the pétanque boules. These issues created uneven ground, raised safety concerns, and limited the efficiency of the space.
The Health and Safety Executive states that environmental issues can raise the risk of slips and trips. For the committee, resurfacing was a way to manage these risks, enhance access, and ensure the site could handle ongoing demand.
As paving and driveway specialists in Dorset, the committee opted for our team to offer a long-term solution. With over 60 years of local experience, our team was trusted to resurface the car park to a high standard. Similar projects can be found in our Case Studies page, which showcases our consistent approach to quality.
However, before work even began, a comprehensive site survey was conducted to assess levels, slopes, and drainage capacity. This confirmed the need for a new soakaway system and replacement of the existing surfacing. Once the plan was agreed upon, preparation began with the scraping and excavation of the car park edges and the overgrown pétanque boules area. Spoil was removed from the site, and the ground was rolled, ready for the foundation layer.
Key steps of the resurfacing included:
- Laying a 150mm layer of crushed limestone compacted with a power roller
- Installing 25m of new concrete kerbs to match the existing layout
- Adding two road gullies and connecting them to a newly built soakaway for more effective drainage
- Applying two asphalt layers, a 50mm Dense Bituminous Macadam binder course and a 30mm Stone Mastic Asphalt surface course
- Marking out clear parking bays to improve traffic flow and capacity
The community centre remained open during the works, allowing resurfacing to be completed in phases. This allowed the venue to stay accessible while the project was delivered on schedule.
The End Result
The resurfacing of the drive and upper car park at Merley Community Centre resulted in a complete upgrade spanning 956m². The finished surface is smooth, clearly marked, and properly drained. From excavation through to line marking, every stage was carried out to the standard expected by the committee.
The project created a stronger and more reliable surface designed to cope with regular use. The limestone sub-base and asphalt layers give strong, long-lasting support. Meanwhile, the kerbs and gullies efficiently direct water away during heavy rainfall in Dorset. This reduces safety risks for visitors and lowers the need for future maintenance. The Office for National Statistics has found that repair and maintenance costs in the construction sector are on the rise. This underscores the need for proactive investment in infrastructure. Dorset Council knows that capital applications are key to keeping community centres and car parks in good condition. This supports the committee’s decision to resurface the site, as noted in their funding criteria.
Improvements delivered include:
- A safe and even surface designed for daily vehicle use
- Upgraded drainage to reduce standing water and protect the surface
- Line markings to maximise space and improve traffic flow
The Merley Community Centre committee described themselves as “thrilled with the end result.” They emphasised the project’s impact on the site, as visitors now benefit from safer access and a better-organised layout. Visit our Testimonials page to read feedback from our clients. Their experiences show our strong reputation in Dorset.
Trusted Surfacing Solutions for Community Spaces
This project at Merley Community Centre shows how careful planning and installation extend the life of vital community spaces. The car park now provides safe and reliable access for daily visitors. This is thanks to better drainage, a more substantial sub-base, and durable asphalt layers.
With over 60 years of experience, Fletchamoore delivers trusted surfacing across Dorset with services range from residential driveways to extensive commercial and community facilities.
Call 01202 624900 or complete our online contact form for a free, no-obligation quote to improve your car park, driveway, or public space.
