A major development project at Wales’s largest castle will see the creation of a range of exciting new visitor facilities with greater flexibility for using its outdoor public spaces through the installation of in-ground service units from Pop Up Power Supplies®.
The Caerphilly Castle visitor centre project is part of a capital investment programme by Cadw, Welsh Government's historic environment service, to enhance the visitor experience at Cadw’s top sites across Wales. The scheme will help to boost the popularity of the 13th century Grade I listed attraction which is famous for its leaning tower and covers a site of more than 30 acres, making it the second largest castle in Britain.
A local £8.1m masterplan was agreed for Caerphilly in 2019 which includes the goal to make the castle a ‘must see’ nationally-significant heritage attraction. This scheme encompasses eight strategic projects including enhanced visitor facilities, new interpretation and learning provision, themed play areas, improved venue hire and opportunities to use the moat for visitor use.
As part of the improvements to Caerphilly Castle’s outdoor spaces, an on-demand power infrastructure will be installed, which is hidden from view yet provides easy access to electricity whenever required. This includes the installation of seven Slim IGUs from Pop Up Power Supplies® submerged 250mm into the ground at strategic locations throughout the castle site.
The Slim IGU service units are robustly-engineered using galvanised high grade structural steel and feature a series of power sockets which are accessible via a flip-lid as and when required. This allows for hassle-free and safe hosting of outdoor entertainment events where electricity is needed for lighting, sound systems, etc., as well as for pop-up retail markets, food stalls and much more.
From an aesthetic perspective, in-ground units are ideal because they are almost invisible. The flip lid is recessed to allow for matching of the surrounding ground surface, be it paving, tarmac or grass, and the units can be used with the lids locked down. This means that only short cables – covered by cable protectors – are visible when equipment is connected and in-use.
The Slim IGU is part of a wide range of retractable, in-ground and bollard units from Pop Up Power Supplies® which add functionality and adaptability in all kinds of public spaces. From heritage sites like Caerphilly Castle to university campuses, industrial sites and major retail centres, there is a solution to suit, configured to provide electricity, gas, water and data services.
To find out more about the product range from Pop Up Power Supplies® visit www.popuppower.co.uk.
