Steeped in local history, the building has previously served as a coach house, mortuary and public house before being sympathetically transformed into a modern food and drinks venue complete with live music events and future plans for boutique hotel accommodation.

The refurbishment carefully balances the character of the original building with a warm, contemporary hospitality interior. Exposed brickwork, open timber beams, Victorian green metro tiles and brass detailing all contribute towards the venue’s distinctive atmosphere, creating a space that feels both authentic and refined.

To complement the wider design scheme, a range of Gerflor flooring solutions were selected throughout the venue, including Creation 55 Dry Back LVT, Creation 70 MegaClic LVT and Tarasafe Ultra safety vinyl flooring. Gradus Boulevard entrance matting, GR91 stair edging and new BLXT20R Satin Bronze LED step lighting were also installed to provide practical performance benefits while enhancing the premium aesthetic of the refurbishment.

Within the restaurant area, Gerflor Creation 55 Dry Back LVT in the Versailles Honey design was chosen to create a warm and welcoming dining environment. Its modern interpretation of classic timber works alongside the interior palette introducing texture and character without overpowering the original architectural features.

Different flooring finishes were used throughout the venue to help subtly define individual hospitality spaces while maintaining visual consistency across the wider interior scheme. Gerflor Creation 70 MegaClic in Oxyd Pure was installed within a connecting corridor area between the bar and restaurant to support the venue’s contemporary industrial-inspired styling.

Tarasafe Ultra safety vinyl flooring in Obsidian was selected for the kitchen, behind the bar and in toilet areas where durability, slip safety and ease of maintenance were essential requirements within a busy hospitality environment.

Discussing the refurbishment, pub owners Stuart and Phil Humphrey explained that retaining the character of the building while creating a high-quality hospitality destination was central to the project vision.

“We wanted to create somewhere that respected the history and character of the building whilst still feeling modern, welcoming and practical for customers,” they said. “The combination of finishes throughout the venue has really helped achieve that balance. The flooring works naturally with the exposed brickwork, beams and brass detailing and gives each area its own identity whilst still feeling connected as one venue.”

The specification of the Gradus products also played an important role within the overall customer experience. Boulevard 6000 entrance matting in Nightfall was installed at the main entrance to help manage dirt and moisture ingress while maintaining a clean and professional appearance from the moment guests arrive.

Throughout various stair areas, Gradus BLXT20R Satin Bronze LED step lighting was installed to introduce subtle feature lighting alongside improved visibility and safety. The warm bronze finish complements the wider brass detailing used throughout the venue, helping to reinforce the premium hospitality aesthetic.

In addition, Gradus GR91 stair edging was installed on the main staircase connecting the bar with the pub’s office space, staff facilities and planned future accommodation. Featuring a standard PVC insert in a Canvas finish, the nosing was selected to coordinate with the dark green carpet used on the stairs, helping to maintain a cohesive and considered interior scheme whilst also enhancing safety for building users.

Nick Ferguson from Gerflor and Gradus commented: “Hospitality projects increasingly require products that combine design flexibility with long-term performance and practicality. At The Bell on Mulnestrete, the selected Gerflor and Gradus solutions work together to support the overall interior concept whilst also delivering the durability, safety and maintenance benefits required within a busy food and drink environment. The finished result is a venue that successfully blends heritage character with a modern hospitality experience.”

The project was completed in May 2026 as part of the wider refurbishment and reopening of The Bell on Mulnestrete.

Supporting Information

Gerflor Company Overview

Gerflor UK is a manufacturer of comprehensive contract interior flooring solutions, including vinyl, linoleum, carpets and rubber. Gerflor innovations help to create attractive and functional hospitality environments, whilst supporting the durability, safety and long-term performance required within busy food, drink and leisure settings.

Working closely with the hospitality sector, Gerflor provides design-led flooring solutions for bars, restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues, helping specifiers and operators create welcoming interiors that balance aesthetics, comfort and practicality. Gerflor flooring collections are developed to enhance guest experience whilst also reducing maintenance requirements and supporting the longevity of commercial interiors.

Gerflor Products Overview Specified for The Bell on Mulnestrete

Creation 55 Dry Back Luxury Vinyl Tile

Creation 55 Dry Back is a high-performance luxury vinyl tile collection developed for demanding commercial interiors where durability and design flexibility are essential. Available in a wide range of realistic wood and mineral finishes, the collection enables designers and specifiers to create warm, contemporary hospitality environments whilst benefiting from excellent wear resistance and easy maintenance.

Featuring a hardwearing surface treatment, Creation 55 Dry Back is suitable for medium to heavy traffic areas including restaurants, bars, hotel interiors and leisure environments. The collection combines authentic aesthetics with practical performance, making it ideal for hospitality projects where atmosphere, comfort and long-term durability are equally important.

Creation 70 MegaClic Luxury Vinyl Tile

Creation 70 MegaClic is a durable interlocking luxury vinyl flooring solution developed for medium to heavy traffic commercial interiors. The collection offers realistic wood and mineral finishes with enhanced durability and ease of maintenance, making it particularly suitable for busy hospitality environments.

The hardwearing surface treatment supports long-term performance whilst maintaining the visual quality of the floor finish in areas subjected to continual footfall. Creation 70 collections provide specifiers with extensive design flexibility, enabling coordinated interior schemes across restaurants, bars, circulation spaces and wider hospitality settings.

Tarasafe Ultra Safety Flooring

Tarasafe Ultra is a specialist slip-resistant vinyl safety flooring designed for heavy traffic commercial environments where safety, hygiene and durability are critical. The collection features deeply inlaid mineral crystal particles and a reinforced construction to provide long-lasting slip resistance that meets HSE guidelines.

Developed for areas where spillages and moisture may occur, Tarasafe Ultra benefits from Gerflor’s SparClean® surface treatment for easy cleaning and maintenance. The flooring also offers excellent durability and hygiene performance, making it suitable for hospitality kitchens, WC’s and back-of-house areas where both safety and visual appearance are important considerations.

Learn more about Gerflor hospitality solutions, request a free sample or speak to a specialist by calling 01625 428 922, emailing contractuk@gerflor.com or visiting www.gerflor.co.uk

Gradus Company Overview

Gradus is a manufacturer of comprehensive contract interior solutions including stair edgings, entrance matting, floor trims, wall protection and LED lighting systems. Gradus products are designed to enhance safety, durability and aesthetics across a wide range of hospitality interiors including hotels, bars, restaurants and leisure venues.

Working in partnership with the hospitality sector, Gradus develops solutions that help create welcoming and visually cohesive environments whilst supporting the practical demands of busy commercial interiors. Combining premium finishes with proven performance, Gradus products help specifiers achieve coordinated designs that balance ambience, accessibility and long-term durability.

Gradus Products Overview Specified for The Bell on Mulnestrete

Boulevard 6000 Entrance Matting

Gradus Boulevard 6000 is a premium entrance matting system designed to absorb dirt and moisture in medium to heavy traffic commercial environments. Available in a range of contemporary finishes and anodised aluminium bases, the system helps maintain cleaner internal floor finishes whilst contributing positively to the overall entrance aesthetic.

Developed for demanding hospitality settings, Boulevard 6000 combines functionality with visual appeal, helping venues create a strong first impression whilst reducing maintenance requirements and improving safety within entrance areas.

BLXT20R Stair Lighting with Satin Bronze Metal Castellated Insert

The BLXT20R stair lighting system combines the performance of Gradus XT stair edgings with integrated LED lighting to improve stair visibility whilst creating a premium architectural feature. The satin bronze finish and castellated insert detail provide a refined appearance that complements contemporary hospitality interiors and feature staircases.

Designed to enhance both ambience and safety, the integrated LED lighting creates a subtle wash of light across the stair tread and riser, helping reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls whilst contributing to the wider interior atmosphere. Suitable for bars, restaurants and hotel interiors, the system combines durability, performance and visual impact within a single coordinated solution.

GR91 Stair Edging

The Gradus GR91 stair edging profile helps support safe accessibility within commercial interiors by providing clear visual definition to stair edges whilst also delivering a neat and durable finish.

For The Bell on Mulnestrete project, the specification achieved the recommended visual contrast between the stair edging and surrounding floorcovering, exceeding a 30-point Light Reflectance Value (LRV) difference in line with The Building Regulations 2010 Approved Document M and BS 8300-2:2018 guidance. This helps improve step edge visibility and supports safer navigation for building users within busy hospitality environments.

Learn more about Gradus solutions, request a free sample or speak to a specialist by calling 01625 428 922, emailing imail@gradus.com or visiting www.gradus.com.

Developed as part of the Government of Jersey’s Inspiring Active Places Strategy, Oakfield Sports Centre has been designed to support the transition of sports provision from Fort Regent, while accommodating a wide range of activities for schools, colleges, sports clubs and the wider community. Operated by Active Jersey, the facility is used by local schools and colleges alongside community groups and sports organisations.

At the heart of the development was a 2,000m² multi-court sports hall designed to accommodate badminton, netball, basketball, volleyball and indoor cricket and which would require a world class Olympic pedigree sustainable indoor sports vinyl surface. Supporting areas at the facility, including storage spaces and circulation areas, also required durable flooring solutions capable of performing under consistent daily use.

Chris Pursey, Gerflor Key Account Manager, added: “The specification for the sports centre came through Morris Architects which followed on from a successful Gerflor project at nearby Beaulieu Convent School with a similar specification. We were delighted to be given the opportunity to work again with the Architect on another iconic project in Jersey”

Meeting the Specification Challenge

The Oakfield Sports Centre project presented several key challenges. The main sports hall was significantly larger than a standard facility, requiring a flooring solution capable of delivering consistent performance across a substantial footprint.

In addition, the project was delivered within a demanding construction programme, placing pressure on installation timescales. The subfloor also incorporated a number of movement and expansion joints, requiring careful consideration to ensure long-term performance without compromising installation efficiency.

Working closely with Morris Architects, Gerflor provided a solution that addressed both the technical requirements of the project and the construction programme.

Gerflor’s Taraflex® Performance SL (Sustainable Looselay) was specified for the main sports hall. The innovative adhesive-free loose lay sports vinyl flooring system enabled a faster installation process while also accommodating the project-specific subfloor requirements.

In total, 2,000m² of Taraflex® Performance SL in Light Cherry was installed throughout the sports hall, providing a high-performance surface suitable for a wide range of sporting activities.

Peter Garforth, Director at Morris Architects, commented: “The hall featured a number of movement joints within the screed. The importance of tolerances and achieving an SR2 level was agreed with the contractors, which meant the Taraflex SL flooring could be laid over the screeded floor. This reduced downtime on site and ensured a faster installation to meet the project and client needs.”

Alongside the sports flooring  specification, 400m² of Tarasafe Ultra safety vinyl flooring was also chosen for the  stairways and ancillary areas. The product was selected to provide durable, slip-resistant performance in areas subject to moisture and high levels of footfall.

Installation and Technical Support

Installation of the flooring was carried out by MC Floors, a Jersey-based contractor experienced in sports flooring installations. Their specialist knowledge and attention to detail were instrumental in achieving a seamless installation across the various sports and support areas, helping to create a facility built for long-term performance.

The presence of movement and expansion joints within the subfloor represented one of the project’s primary technical considerations. The loose lay installation method of Taraflex® Performance SL provided a practical solution, enabling the floor to perform effectively while supporting programme requirements.

Malcolm Crowe, Managing Director at MC Floors, said: “The real challenge on the project was the expansion joints in the subfloor. Using Gerflor’s loose lay Taraflex SL flooring provided a practical solution and allowed us to complete the installation efficiently.”

The adhesive-free system also offers long-term flexibility, allowing the flooring to be removed or replaced or repurposed in the future without causing damage to the underlying substrate. This approach also helps to support circular economy principles by helping to reduce waste associated with refurbishment or new build projects.

Coordinated Flooring and Accessories Solution

In addition to the flooring specification, Gradus accessories were selected to provide safe movement throughout the building and deliver a coordinated finish across key transition points.

Products specified included:

• ADXT1R stair edgings with slip-resistant inserts to the main staircase
• ELAR950 transition trims between differing floor finishes
• SO75 flexible PVC skirting to the perimeter of the sports hall

Together, these products help support accessibility, safety and durability throughout the facility

Delivering a Facility for Long-Term Community Use

The completed Oakfield Sports Centre now provides Jersey with a flexible and modern sports facility capable of supporting a wide range of activities for schools, clubs and the wider community.

The combination of sports flooring, safety flooring and accessories has delivered a coordinated solution designed to withstand the demands of daily use while supporting long-term maintenance and operational requirements.

Barclay Harvey, Operations Manager for the States of Jersey, said: “We have a number of Gerflor products at other sporting locations in Jersey. We value the multi-use capabilities of their product, particularly in a facility of this scale where flexibility is essential. We are extremely pleased with the Gerflor sports and safety flooring as it meets our expectations and is delivering consistent performance in daily use.”

The Oakfield Sports Centre represents a significant investment in Jersey’s sporting infrastructure and will continue to support education, community participation and recreational sport for years to come.

Gerflor products overview specified for Oakfield Sports Centre

Gerflor company overview

Gerflor is a manufacturer of comprehensive contract interior flooring solutions, including vinyl, linoleum, carpets, and rubber. Gerflor innovations help to create attractive and functional environments, as well as enhance and protect a range of sports and fitness interiors. Gerflor solutions are proven to enhance the longevity of a building whilst reducing long term maintenance costs. Gerflor works in partnership with the sports, education, and fitness sectors to ensure buildings are safe and accessible for all users.

Taraflex® Performance SL

Taraflex® Performance SL is a high-performance indoor sports flooring solution designed for multi-use sports environments. Its adhesive-free loose lay installation system supports faster installation while providing excellent durability and long-term flexibility. Suitable for both new-build and refurbishment projects, the product is widely specified across education, leisure and community sports facilities.

Tarasafe Ultra

Tarasafe Ultra is a slip-resistant vinyl safety flooring designed for areas subject to heavy footfall and potential contamination from water or other substances. Combining durability, ease of maintenance and long-term slip resistance, it is well suited to changing rooms, circulation spaces and other demanding environments.

Gradus products specified for the Oakfield Sports Centre

Gradus company overview

Gradus is a manufacturer of comprehensive contract interior solutions, including stair edgings, floor trims, barrier matting, lighting, and wall protection. Gradus innovations help to ensure that buildings are safe and accessible, whilst also providing inclusive environments for all users. Gradus products enhance safety, aesthetics, and sustainability in sports facilities and across other fitness spaces.

ADXT1R Stair Edgings

ADXT1R stair edgings provide a defined, slip-resistant leading edge to improve stair safety in high-traffic environments.

ELAR950 Transition Trim

ELAR950 is a heavy-duty transition profile designed to provide a safe and durable connection between differing floor finishes.

SO75 Flexible PVC Skirting

SO75 flexible PVC skirting provides a durable perimeter finish while supporting ease of cleaning and maintenance.

Learn more about Gerflor solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 01625 428 922, emailing contractuk@gerflor.com, or visiting gerflor.co.uk for the latest flooring innovations.

Learn more about Gradus solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 01625 428 922, emailing imail@gradus.com, or visiting gradus.com for the latest barrier matting, wall protection, lighting, and flooring accessory innovations.

In today’s retail landscape, creating an engaging and memorable customer experience is just as important as the products on display. Design-led flooring plays a key role in shaping the customer journey, influencing how shoppers navigate a space, interact with products, and perceive a brand.

With luxury vinyl flooring solutions, retailers can combine aesthetics, durability, and functionality to create environments that not only look exceptional but also perform under the demands of high footfall. Thoughtfully selected flooring designs can help define zones, guide customer movement, and reinforce brand identity through colour, texture, and pattern.

Beyond appearance, flooring offers practical benefits that directly enhance the customer experience. Its comfort underfoot, acoustic performance, and ease of maintenance help create clean, welcoming, and enjoyable retail spaces. Whether it’s a premium fashion store, supermarket, showroom, or shopping centre, contemporary designs enable retailers to deliver visually impactful environments while maintaining long-term performance and sustainability.

Ultimately, design-led flooring is more than a surface; it’s a powerful tool for creating retail destinations that attract customers, encourage longer dwell times, and strengthen brand perception. Flooring helps establish the overall look and feel of a retail space, creating an environment that is both welcoming and engaging.

Through the careful use of colour, texture and pattern, it can define different areas, improve navigation and support a seamless customer journey. As retailers continue to seek meaningful ways to differentiate themselves, flooring remains a key design element that combines visual appeal with practicality, helping to create memorable experiences that keep customers coming back.

Flooring to enhance a Shoppers Experience

Design-led flooring enhances the customer experience by creating engaging, intuitive touchpoints for both shoppers and employees. Through carefully considered use of colour, pattern and texture, flooring can clearly highlight key access points such as tills, fitting rooms and dedicated zones, improve wayfinding and support a seamless journey throughout the store. When integrated consistently across a retail environment, this approach simplifies navigation, reduces friction and contributes to a more enjoyable and efficient shopping experience.

Beyond functionality, design-led flooring helps establish a dynamic and memorable atmosphere that strengthens customer engagement and reinforces brand perception. Contemporary Luxury Vinyl Tile (LTV) collections, in particular, combine strong visual appeal with the durability required for high-traffic retail settings, making them an ideal solution for busy high street environments where aesthetics and performance must work in harmony.

The power of flooring within retail space

Flooring design can influence customer experience and overall satisfaction, shape the mood and natural flow of foot traffic, and set the store’s overall energy from the moment customers walk through the door.

For example, bright, polished floors offer a sense of modern style, creating a strong first impression. Customers often associate clean, sleek flooring with professionalism, quality, and attention to detail, which shape the brand’s perception.

The power of flooring within a retail space sets the right atmosphere and creates brand identity. Flooring can influence behaviour by guiding traffic through strategic zoning, which is useful from a customer’s perspective as it makes navigating the store easier.

Retail flooring needs to be both low-maintenance and durable, which can withstand heavy footfall. The flooring aesthetic must remain intact to enhance the perception of quality in high-traffic, premium or luxury settings.

Bespoke digital printed flooring offers retailers a powerful opportunity to extend branding beyond walls and signage, transforming the floor into a high-impact marketing surface. Custom designs can incorporate logos, brand colours, campaign graphics, or directional messaging, creating immersive environments that strengthen brand recognition and visual consistency. In window displays and promotional zones, digitally printed flooring can anchor seasonal themes, product launches or limited-time offers, helping to draw attention and guide customers naturally through the space. This approach enhances visual storytelling and turns underutilised floor space into an engaging touchpoint that reinforces campaigns and leaves a lasting impression.

How colour psychology and textures impact retail space

Colour psychology and certain textures have a significant impact on how customers view a store, shaping how they feel and behave. Warm tones such as red and rich neutrals can create energy and urgency, making them ideal for promotional areas or fast-paced fashion environments. In contrast, cooler colours such as blues and soft greys promote calm and trusting areas, where customers are typically likely to browse, which is often suited to premium settings.

Earthy textures and natural wood effects can evoke authenticity, whereas sleek, polished finishes suggest modernity and innovation. By carefully selecting colours and surface textures within flooring design, retailers can subtly guide mood, reinforce brand identity and encourage customers to stay within the store for longer, creating a welcoming and emotionally engaging shopping journey.

Zoning solutions

Flooring plays a distinct role across different retail sectors, helping shape both brand identity and customer journey.

Fashion retail – Elegant wood, terrazzo or bespoke printed finishes can create a run-away inspired atmosphere, elevating the perception of quality while zoning fitting rooms, accessories and feature displays.

Sporting stores – Bold colours and high-contrast zoning can inject energy into the space, guiding customers between performance, training and lifestyle collection while reinforcing movement and innovation.

Department stores – Flooring can be used strategically to define concessions and product categories through shifts in tone, pattern or texture, while maintaining a cohesive overall aesthetic. By adapting flooring design to suit fashion, sport and department retail environments, brands can create immersive, well-structured spaces that enhance navigation and strengthen customer experience.

How Gerflor can help

Gerflor offers a wide range of design-driven products for all areas in a retail facility, perfect for creating an inspiring, engaging, and unique space. Offering a large range of designs across their flooring with a combination of high-end aesthetic, advanced technical performance and sustainability, making it a popular choice for commercial areas.

Fast Track Flooring Solutions

Attraction

The interlocking loose-lay tile collection is a design-led flooring solution created for retail environments that want to make a strong visual impact, and that seek a contemporary aesthetic as these tiles combine modern styling with practical performance, making them functional and attractive.

Fast Track Flooring titles come in 21 colourways and 4 designs, allowing retail stores to have a choice in what meets their bespoke needs.

This interlocking format enables efficient installation with minimal disruption during trading hours, which is essential in busy retail settings. This allows for high-impact, flooring solutions that help stores stay on trend while maintaining durability and practicality.

Design tile

This flexible interlocking loose-lay tile offers a versatile and design-forward flooring solution, which is available in 20 different colourways, including wood, terrazzo, stone, and mineral finishes. Each design has been carefully developed to capture the natural character and texture of these materials, which delivers a premium aesthetic, without disrupting its performance.

This flooring is suitable for high-traffic areas, so that it can withstand the daily demands of busy retail spaces. It’s robust, long-lasting resilience against heavy footfall, makes it the ideal choice for retail.

To enhance its longevity, the surface is treated with PUR+, making it easy to clean and maintain. The surface treatment provides superior resistance to scuffs, stains, and wear, which will help retain its appearance over time, helping spaces look fresh and professional with minimal effort.

My Taralay

My Taralay is a digital printing service allowing designers to create bespoke, high-performance vinyl flooring for interiors. The flooring prioritising sustainability, offering a number of benefits for both the environment and consumers. A remarkable feature of this range is its eco-friendly approach, using sustainable materials to minimise its environmental footprint during production. It allows flooring to be uninstalled and reused, reducing waste and showcasing dedication to sustainability.

Taralay is suitable for retailers seeking creative freedom and long-term performance, due to combining resilient construction with impressive design flexibility, making it ideal for busy retail environments. The flooring can be customised to incorporate brand colours, graphic and campaign messaging, allowing retailers to create a space that truly reflects their identity.

This would be effective for window displays, feature zones and areas where visual impact matters most. It’s robust surface treatment ensures it withstands heavy footfall while maintaining a premium appearance, delivering the perfect aesthetic and reliable functionality.

Creation 70 Connect

These high-performance tiles are an ideal flooring solution for retail stores undergoing renovations, offering a smart balance of durability, sustainability, and ease of installation.

These tiles are  available in 11 finishes, and are also 100% recyclable, which supports environmentally conscious design choices without compromising on quality or performance. The robust construction

makes them well-suited to medium-traffic areas, providing dependable resilience in spaces such as boutique retail environments, pop-up stores, and concession areas.

They are engineered with dovetail edges that lock securely into place. This innovative design enables quick, efficient installation, reducing downtime and enabling faster project completion. This is essential for retailers working to tight refurbishment schedules.

GTI Max

The GTI Max neoConnect Interlocking Flooring Tile range is the ultimate retail flooring solution. The tiles  are available in 26 designs, and offer several benefits. Not only are the Gerflor GTI Max interlocking flooring tiles stylish and hard-wearing, but they are also highly durable, perfect for high-traffic environments.

The loose-lay technical tiles are cost-effective, offering a fast-track installation with minimal downtime. This is due to the loose-lay technical tiles, meaning you do not need to stop operations within the store. With PUR surface treatment, the tiles are easy to maintain.

Conclusion

In-store customer experience must be a top priority. Selecting flooring solutions that enhance the store’s appearance while clearly indicating where all zones are within the store will contribute to the customer experience. Durable flooring that can withstand heavy footfall will help make the store seem more efficient.

Flooring in a store has a significant impact on elevating the customer experience. It is important to use flooring that is well trusted, and can create the perfect experience.

Flooring plays a crucial role in shaping the overall customer experience within a retail environment. Choosing a trusted, high-quality flooring solution, such as Gerflor, not only enhances the store’s appearance but also creates an inviting, comfortable atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on customers.

To discuss how Gerflor can support your next retail project, contact the Gerflor Contract Team on 01625 428 922, email contractuk@gerflor.com, or visit gerflor.co.uk for the latest retail innovations.

A recent industrial unit project in Gloucester has demonstrated how Gerflor’s new Tarasafe Ultra HOP safety vinyl floorcovering can provide a practical alternative. Installed within the WC and cleaners’ cupboard areas of the new build development, Tarasafe Ultra HOP in the Opal finish was selected by AOC Flooring as part of a fast-track flooring solution where moisture within the subfloor could have otherwise delayed the installation programme.

Rather than undertaking additional remedial works or waiting for the substrate to dry, the project team utilised the benefits of Gerflor’s looselay Tarasafe safety flooring system to continue installation efficiently and keep works progressing on site.

Designed specifically to support faster installation with reduced disruption, Tarasafe Ultra HOP is suitable for installation on damp substrates up to 97% RH (Relative Humidity) without the need for a surface DPM or moisture vapor suppressant. This helps minimise extensive subfloor preparation requirements often associated with traditional fully adhered flooring systems.

The Gloucester project provided a practical real-world example of how looselay flooring systems can help contractors manage challenging site conditions while maintaining programme efficiency.

Installed by AOC Flooring, the project also formed part of Gerflor’s wider initiative to showcase the practical benefits of looselay flooring solutions across commercial and refurbishment environments. Gerflor representatives Rob Walker (Technical Manager) and Chris Pursey (Specification Manager) supported the project and installation process.

Olly Clift, Project Manager from AOC Flooring explained: “The product was originally recommended to us by a local builder working on the industrial unit development. We use Gerflor flooring products regularly because we know we can rely on them to deliver both installation efficiency and a high-quality finish, Tarasafe Ultra HOP was again no exception.”

Olly Clift  further added “The condition of the subfloor could easily have created delays on site, so having a flooring solution that could be installed over a damp substrate, without the need for additional surface DPM works was a tangible advantage. The looselay system was straightforward to install, performed exactly as expected and looked excellent once fully fitted and welded. Products that help keep projects moving while still delivering the required levels of safety and durability are always valuable, and we would certainly put Tarasafe Ultra HOP forward for future projects where a looselay flooring solution is required.”

As part of Gerflor’s growing looselay flooring portfolio, Tarasafe Ultra HOP has been engineered to combine installation flexibility with the performance requirements expected within demanding commercial environments. The product can be walked on immediately after installation, helping to reduce downtime and disruption on live sites or fast-moving projects.

Rob Walker (Technical Manager) added: “Projects like this are exactly where Tarasafe Ultra HOP can demonstrate its value. Damp subfloors can often create programme delays or additional preparation requirements, so being able to provide a looselay safety flooring solution suitable for these conditions offers clear practical benefits for contractors.”

Chris Pursey (Specification Manager) commented: “As demand continues to grow for faster, more flexible flooring systems, the Gloucester project highlights how looselay flooring solutions are becoming an increasingly important option within both refurbishment and new build environments, particularly where programme pressures and challenging substrate conditions are present.”

The Gloucester installation demonstrates how Tarasafe Ultra HOP is helping contractors overcome one of the most common challenges in flooring projects, damp subfloors, without compromising on safety, performance or programme timescales. By reducing the need for extensive subfloor preparation and allowing immediate access following installation, the innovative looselay safety flooring solution provides a practical, reliable option for both refurbishment and new build applications. As project teams continue to seek faster, more efficient installation methods, Tarasafe Ultra HOP is proving to be a valuable addition to Gerflor’s portfolio of high-performance flooring solutions.

Supporting Information

Gerflor Company Overview

Gerflor is a leading manufacturer of high-performance contract flooring solutions, specialising in safety flooring designed to support safer, more durable and hygienic environments across a wide range of commercial sectors.

Gerflor’s safety flooring collections combine slip resistance, durability and ease of maintenance, helping to reduce long-term maintenance requirements while supporting safety in demanding environments. Offering slip resistance ratings ranging from R10 to R12, Gerflor safety floors are widely specified within healthcare, education, industry, housing, hospitality and commercial applications.

Developed to meet the practical needs of contractors, specifiers and end users, Gerflor safety flooring solutions are designed to balance long-term performance, safety and installation efficiency across both refurbishment and new build projects.

Overview of Gerflor products installed on the Gloucester Industrial Unit Project

Tarasafe Ultra HOP

Tarasafe Ultra HOP is a high-performance looselay vinyl safety flooring solution from Gerflor, developed to support fast-track refurbishment and new build projects where reduced disruption, faster installation and long-term durability are essential.

Suitable for installation on damp subfloors up to 97% RH without the need for a DPM, Tarasafe Ultra HOP helps contractors overcome one of the most common causes of programme delays on site. Its looselay installation format reduces the need for extensive subfloor preparation and allows areas to be walked on immediately after installation, helping minimise downtime and keep projects moving efficiently.

Designed for heavy traffic commercial environments, Tarasafe Ultra HOP delivers 36+ HSE compliant slip resistance and combines durability with easy maintenance and hygienic performance. Reinforced with a glass fibre grid and treated with SparClean® surface protection, the product is suitable for demanding environments including healthcare, education, commercial and industrial applications.

As part of Gerflor’s wider looselay flooring portfolio, Tarasafe Ultra HOP provides a practical alternative to traditional adhered flooring systems, helping support faster project turnaround times while reducing disruption on site.

Key Benefits

• Suitable for damp subfloors up to 97% RH
• No DPM required
• Looselay adhesive-free installation
• Immediate trafficking after installation
• Reduced subfloor preparation requirements
• 36+ HSE compliant slip resistance
• Suitable for heavy traffic commercial environments
• 100% recyclable with 29% recycled content
• 12-year warranty

To learn more about Gerflor safety flooring solutions, request a free sample or speak to a specialist, call 01625 428 922, email contractuk@gerflor.com or visit Gerflor UK.

Commenting on the project Gareth Murphy, Gerflor Area Sales Manager, Ireland said, “The scope of the project required a complex and achievable plan, incorporating a large mix of products over a short period of time, in order to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive flooring solution for the entire facility renovation.”

On specification and the remarkable elements of the project Gareth Murphy added, “This was a challenging project that had a short installation timeframe. Due to limited storage space on site, we worked closely with the contractor on a clear delivery plan, to maximise efficiency within the installation process.”

In order to fit out the vast 6430m2, a tailored selection of Gerflor high quality products were required. On entering the building, customer facing areas, corridors and receptions, DLW Marmorette Linoleum, with its patented Neocare™ surface protection, offered the perfect solution both hygienically and aesthetically. This was complemented with Gradus Latour2 Carpet Tiles and Creation 70 Connect LVT in the office areas, which gave a sleek and modern look to these hardworking spaces for healthcare staff. Both product ranges were selected for their eye-catching finishes and impressive easy to clean and maintain credentials.

In addition, the changing rooms and shower areas were also transformed, with the installation of Gerflor’s Tarasafe Standard and Tarasafe Ultra H20 floorcoverings, ideal for the locations, thanks to their unique design and exceptional performance delivering outstanding safety and slip resistance for all patients.

Another driver for the client’s specification was the requirement that all flooring products installed in the healthcare building would need to be exceptionally easy to clean and maintain. This would be fundamental for the facility, as it would significantly reduce lifecycle costs and time invested to maintain optimum hygiene within the interiors.

Sustainable solutions needed to be factored into the specification, with Gerflor’s unique and patented surface protection treatments, this ensured that the client would also reduce their detergent and water usage as part of an intensive maintenance regime.

A spokesperson for the Primary Care Facility in Cork City said, “Choosing Gerflor and Gradus products enabled this project to be completed very swiftly and on time, which was one of the crucial elements of the specification requirement. The flooring would need to also look exceptional and deliver on quality, performance and safety, all these factors were critical and key parts of the tender process. Gerflor have delivered this and exceeded our expectations.”

The large amount of flooring and accessories required for the healthcare project would be initiated by a Mayo-based flooring contractor. Crean Mosaics TA Crean Contract Flooring was formed in 1968 by the late William Crean. William began his career in mosaics while working for a company called Irish Mosaics formed and owned by his late brother John Crean in the 1950s.

Since 1968, Crean have been committed in the pursuit of delivering excellence in the provision of floor and wall finishes, to the residential and commercial construction industry in Ireland and the UK. In 2008 Crean opened their office and warehouse facility in Blanchardstown Corporate Park Dublin. From 2022 they now trade as Crean Contract Flooring positioning themselves as “Ireland’s flooring contractor of choice”.

David Cunningham, Sales Director at Crean Contract Flooring said, “Crean Contract Flooring were asked to price the project and won the tender.” On specification David Cunningham commented, “We absolutely love working with Gerflor and Gradus as they have innovative and superior high quality products and they always deliver an excellent service.”

On timescales for the project and staffing David Cunninham went on to say, “We had approximately eighteen fitters with the project phased over a three-month period to completion. The Gerflor and Gradus products are very easy to work with and laying them is never a problem. The floorings and accessories that we installed are more than meeting the high expectations set by our client.”

Gareth Murphy concluded, “This was an iconic project to be involved with. The sheer variety and volume of floorcoverings that we supplied, is a real testament to our high quality products. The client is pleased with the final result and now has a new range of flooring that not only looks exceptional but delivers high performance and safety where needed. The local community is proud to have this modern healthcare facility on its door step, that is future proof for many years to come.”

In conclusion David Cunningham ended by saying, “We would be delighted to work with Gerflor and Gradus products and the teams again. The final result is both spectacular and totally fit for purpose and more than meets the criteria set by our customer.” The spokesperson for Cork City Primary Care Facility ended by saying, “We are absolutely delighted with the finished look of the facility with its new flooring from Gerflor and Gradus. As promised, it’s delivering on all aspects of our specification needs and we would happily use and recommend Gerflor and Gradus again.”

Learn more about Gerflor solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 03332 412901, emailing contractuk@gerflor.com, or visiting gerflor.co.uk for the latest innovations.

Learn more about Gradus solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 01625 428 922, emailing imail@gradus.com, or visiting gradus.com for the latest barrier matting, wall protection, lighting, and flooring accessory innovations.

Commenting on the project Tony Thorne, Gerflor Sales and Specification Manager, South Wales said, “The refurbishment of the school’s sports hall flooring was a proven example of how Gerflor’s Taraflex Evolution SL sports flooring was able to supply the ideal solution for the client, with the minimum of fuss and disruption to the schools’ day-to-day activities. Specifying the Taraflex SL sports floor covering also pressed a number of eco buttons which was high on the school’s agenda.”

From a sustainability perspective, the project incorporated the Taraflex Evolution SL product, a loose-lay flooring solution selected for its environmental benefits. By removing the need for adhesive, this option not only reduces the environmental impact but also allows the floor to be recycled at the end of its 25-year life cycle. Installed using double-sided tape, the floor can be easily removed, enabling minor repairs to the undercarriage before a new floor is laid. In contrast, using adhesives would have compromised the undercarriage, making Taraflex SL Sports Flooring the natural choice as a more sustainable and practical solution.

Delivering a solution that was both visually striking and highly practical for a demanding sports facility was a challenge expertly met by Cardiff-based Trefoil Interiors. Dan Townsend, Commercial Director at Trefoil Interiors said,” It was clear that there are very few products on the market that could meet the specific requirements for this education project. Due to time and cost constraints, a screed system simply wasn’t viable, With the Taraflex SL sports flooring solution and also with the exceptional support throughout the process from Tony Thorne at Gerflor, the end result would not have been possible, a successfully delivered fit for purpose sports floor for the school and the variety of its users.”

The Taraflex^® sports range of products continue to be a popular choice for community centres, sports, and leisure facilities, as well as education sports halls across the UK, Republic of Ireland and worldwide. Taraflex^® is the Name Under the Game… it’s where Champions Begin, Learn, Train, and Play.

When Headingley required a major refurbishment of their indoor cricket training facilities, the design team led by GCP Chartered Architects introduced Gerflor, the international flooring expert, to deliver the ideal sports floorcovering solution for this critical and much needed facility upgrade. Taraflex® Performance SL (Sustainable Looselay) Olympic pedigree sports flooring was specified on this iconic project. The renovation was completed ahead of the England vs India Test series to deliver performance, precision, and pace thanks to the innovative looselay solution, which reduced installation times and cost on site.

Commenting on the project, Wayne Andrews, Gerflor Key Account Manager for Sport and Education said, “This highly prestigious project came to us via The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and their longstanding advisor GCP Chartered Architects. The Taraflex Performance SL flooring that was installed was the natural choice for Headingley, as it is approved by the ECB and meets their rigorous requirements on performance. They were seeking a world class sports surface that would ensure players can perform at their best while staying protected.”

Taraflex Performance SL can withstand high impact ball bounce, support quick movement and repeated use, whilst keeping athletes safe and comfortable with all the benefits of:

• True and consistent ball bounce, essential for realistic play and skill development

• Excellent shock absorption, reducing stress on joints during batting, bowling, and fielding drills

• Durable and high-performance surface, built to handle intensive play and heavy use across all levels

To meet the stringent criteria set by both YCCC and the ECB, the installation of the new Taraflex® Performance SL vinyl sports floor needed to be both innovative and completed to a very high standard. Established in 2008, Durant Cricket specialises in the design, manufacture, and installation of cricket facilities including scoreboards, ground equipment, non-turf pitches, and netting systems.

All installations are carried out by their expert in-house team, managing projects from planning through to completion.

Cristian Durant, Owner, and Managing Director explained, “This project was delivered on behalf of Construction North Group Ltd CNG and GCP Chartered Architects. Our role focused on surfacing and safety within the stadium’s high-performance zones. The programme began with over 800 m² of sub-floor remediation, including extensive grinding and profiling to create an optimal base for new finishes. It was critical to get this stage right, ensuring the surfaces would perform to elite standards over time.”

Inside the indoor training facility, Durant installed 351 m² of ECB-approved Gerflor Taraflex® Performance SL in ‘Mint Green’, a durable and striking option for cricket training and was complemented with153 m² of ‘Clay’. Taraflex® Performance is also available as a fast track loose lay solution, and with it being specified in this format for the project, no adhesives were required on site, which simplified the process and significantly reduced installation time and cost.

Cristian Durant went on to add, “As a finishing touch, we marked out fresh crease lines, making the space fully compliant and match-prep ready. These upgrades don’t just modernise the space, they support a broader health and safety strategy by aligning with the latest ECB technical guidance.”

The colour scheme was developed by GCP Chartered Architects’ Matt Bonney with specialist input from YCCC coaching staff and the ECB. GCP Chartered Architects have worked with the ECB for over 15 years setting the standard for indoor training facilities, which include the development of design guidance. The goal with this project was to deliver the most inclusive flooring solution in the country.

This was achieved by testing the contrast of 17 colour options against the red, white, and pink ball and with consideration given to the three most common forms of colour-blindness. The testing process culminated with a site review at the Gloucestershire County Cricket Club Bristol Cricket Centre indoor training facility, also remodelled and refurbished by GCP in 2019, demonstrating performance under similar LED-ECB compliant lighting.

Matt Bonney, Project Architect and Sustainability Lead at GCP Chartered Architects, explained that “Health and safety are primary concerns for the ECB within indoor cricket centres. From considering LED light flicker to material reflectivity, being able to track a ball travelling at 90 mph is critical. Historically, players with red/green colour blindness have had difficulty picking up the red ball on a green floor. Through analysis of the Gerflor colour range we could ensure that the Headingley facility achieves the highest standards for all users.”

Headingley is no stranger to iconic cricket moments, such as the dramatic 1981 Ashes comeback when England, led by Ian Botham and Bob Willis, overturned 500/1 odds to beat Australia. This legacy, combined with its modern facilities, cements its reputation as one of the most famous cricket grounds in the world.

Wayne Andrews concluded, “The client is extremely pleased with both the performance and the aesthetics of the Taraflex Performance SL sports flooring that was installed at Headingley Cricket Club. It’s worth noting that this facility is where the England Cricket Team also train. Being specified for this elite training venue underscores the speed, resilience, and high-performance standards that Gerflor sports flooring consistently deliver.”

Cristian Durant ended by saying, “It was an honour to help raise the already high standards at such a prestigious venue and to deliver it on time for a historic Test series. We are proud to work in collaboration with Gerflor and GCP Chartered Architects and specify Taraflex sports floorings, thanks to their sporting surfaces being of exceptional quality and their reliability when it comes to performance for cricket play and other sporting applications.”

To prove compliance with ECB standards, GCP commissioned Labosport, international testing consultancy via the main contractor CNG.

Supporting Information

Gerflor Company Overview

Gerflor is a leading manufacturer of contract interior flooring solutions, offering vinyl, linoleum, carpet, and rubber options. Their products are designed to enhance safety, accessibility, and sustainability across sports, leisure, and education environments.

Overview of Gerflor products installed at Headingley Cricket Ground

Taraflex® Performance SL

A new member to the Taraflex® Olympic pedigree sports flooring family, a sustainable choice down to its unique sustainable attributes including its product construction, recycled content, ease with which it can be reused and recycled at end of life, as well as reduced cleaning and maintenance requirements for the lifetime of the floor. The Taraflex® range of products continue to be a popular choice for Community Centres, Sports, and Leisure facilities, as well as Education Sports Halls across the UK, Republic of Ireland and worldwide. Taraflex® is the Name Under the Game… It’s where Champions Begin, Learn, Train, and Play.

Environmental Commitment

Taraflex® Performance SL combines sustainability with high-quality standards. Its adhesive-free installation eliminates the need for glues, improving indoor air quality and laying comfort while reducing installation time. The flooring’s P2 category ensures safety and performance, making it ideal for clubs, competitions, and educational facilities.

Sustainable Design

Crafted with eco-friendly materials, Taraflex® SL features textile fibres made from recycled plastic bottles. Easy to install and remove with Tarafix® SL holding strips, it can be reused or recycled. Manufactured in Europe with a low CO2 footprint, it meets stringent environmental standards, including 100% REACH compliance and formaldehyde-free composition.

Unmatched Quality and Performance

Taraflex® Performance SL delivers superior quality and performance, comparable to traditionally adhered Taraflex® flooring. Its reinforced textile backing and Tarafix® SL strips ensure exceptional durability and dimensional stability, avoiding common issues like inflations and extra thickness.

Time-Saving Benefits

With a 25% reduction in installation time compared to adhered installations, Taraflex® Performance SL saves time and ensures high-quality performance durability. At the end of its lifecycle, the flooring can be reused or recycled, preserving the slab for future use.

Versatile Application

With a legacy of use in every Olympic Games since 1976, Taraflex® is trusted by national and international governing bodies for its world-class quality. Ideal for new builds and refurbishments, it offers exceptional durability and cost-effectiveness for various sports and leisure applications.

Hygienic and Safe

Treated with Protecsol®, Taraflex® ensures easy maintenance, anti-friction burn, and optimal slide/grip. Bacteriostatic and fungistatic treatment enhances hygiene, making it suitable for all ages and abilities.

Overall Taraflex sports flooring range summary

Taraflex® sports flooring has a long-standing legacy, having been fitted at every Olympic Games since 1976. Recognised and approved by numerous National and International governing bodies as a world-class indoor sports surface, it is also extensively utilised within the education, community, leisure, health, and fitness sectors.

Ideal for both new build projects and refurbishments, Taraflex® boasts exceptional durability and cost-effectiveness in maintenance. Over six million children benefit from Taraflex® sports flooring every day, enjoying its versatility for various multi-specialist sports and leisure applications.

With a complete range of shock absorption P1/P2/P3, Taraflex® sports floors from Gerflor, deliver the right solution every time whether it is for exercise or play for all ages and ability.

It’s noteworthy that Gerflor offers a diverse range of sports flooring solutions beyond the Taraflex® range. With first-class leading sub-constructions for increased shock absorption or linoleum playing surfaces such as the DLW Sports range, there is no facility that cannot be improved with the introduction of a sports surface from Gerflor.

Learn more about Gerflor solutions, ask for a free sample or contact us to speak to a specialist today by calling 01625 428 922, emailing contractuk@gerflor.com, or visiting gerflor.co.uk for the latest innovations.

Gerflor has played a key role in the project’s success, supplying over 14,000 m² of high-performance flooring solutions including Taraflex® sports flooring, DLW Marmorette Linoleum, Tarasafe Safety flooring, and Powershock 300 rubber tiles. Alongside this, Gradus accessories including stair nosings and a variety of trim finishes were also supplied, the combined package of products from both Gerflor and Gradus were specified for their exceptional durability, safety, and style to meet the needs of the various areas across the facility.

The large variety of Gerflor and Gradus products were specified for key areas throughout the school, including the games and sports halls, fitness studio, circulation areas, reception, corridors, classrooms, changing rooms, WC’s and kitchen and servery areas. The project also extended to other versatile spaces designed to support the needs of students and staff, with flooring solutions that deliver long-lasting performance, practical design, and aesthetic appeal for diverse spaces across the facility interiors.

Commenting on the project, Maggie Smith, Scotland Team Leader at Gerflor, said, “We initially had only our Olympic pedigree Taraflex sports flooring and Powershock 300 Rubber tiles specified with the architects on this project. As partners on the Framework Agreement with BAM, we collaborated closely with them to review the overall project and identify areas where cost savings could be achieved on the flooring package, which had originally been specified by another supplier. This approach allowed us to ensure the best possible outcome for both the client and the project.”

Elaborating on the specification decision, Maggie added, “At Gerflor and Gradus, we were able to offer a comprehensive flooring and accessories package that not only met the project’s functional and aesthetic requirements but also delivered significant cost efficiencies. By tailoring our solution to align with the budgetary goals without compromising on quality, we demonstrated the value of working with a supplier who can provide both innovation and cost-effectiveness.”

The responsibility for installing the flooring products and accessories for this high-profile project fell to Veitchi Flooring, one of the UK’s largest and most respected flooring contractors.

Recognised as a market leader, Veitchi Flooring has built a reputation for setting the benchmark in quality and professionalism across the industry. With headquarters in Glasgow and additional offices in Dundee and Aberdeen, Veitchi Flooring offers the capacity and flexibility to handle contracts of any scale across the UK. Their extensive expertise and specialist knowledge allow them to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each customer, ensuring exceptional results every time.

Commenting on the specification of Gerflor and Gradus products, Jamie Cargill, Contracts Supervisor at Veitchi Flooring, said, “The Dunfermline Learning Campus project was awarded through an open tender process, competing against other major flooring contractors across the UK. The client required a range of options to achieve cost savings without compromising quality. We recommended Gerflor and Gradus products because of their exceptional design appeal, durability, performance, and competitive price point … these were key factors in delivering an effective overall solution.”

Discussing the installation process, Jamie Cargill added, “Our team on site ranged from four to ten fitters, including one apprentice and a visiting supervisor. The project was completed within a fifty-week timescale, from start to finish, ensuring we met all deadlines while maintaining the highest standards of workmanship.”

The creation of Dunfermline Learning Campus has been a true collaborative effort, bringing together key stakeholders such as Fife Council, Fife College, the Scottish Government, and the Scottish Futures Trust. The project was procured and managed by hub East Central Scotland, ensuring that the campus was delivered on schedule and to the highest quality standards, meeting the needs of both the educational institutions and the local community.

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, commented, “This is an important milestone for the Dunfermline Learning Campus, and I know that the new school building will be of significant benefit to pupils, teachers and the local community.” Her statement reflects the broader impact of the project, highlighting its long-term value to the educational experience and for the area as a whole.

Summing up the project Jamie Cargill ended by saying, “Veitchi, BAM construction and the client are extremely pleased with how the new school has turned out. We have used Gerflor and Gradus products in the past on many varied projects with outstanding success. We will continue to specify Gerflor and Gradus for their consistently high-quality products that excel in both performance and design.”

Not only a centre of learning excellence the building is also a great asset to the local community. The modern sports facilities are fully accessible by pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community and can accommodate the needs of both large groups and individual users alike.

Maggie Smith concluded, “The new installation of interior flooring and accessory products from Gerflor and Gradus deliver an impressive visual impact. The school has only been open a few months and the client is delighted with the final finish and overall performance of our world class products.”

With the addition of the Gerflor Winsford Warehouse in 2020/21, which boasts over half a million m² of flooring readily available on its shelves, the Dunfermline Learning Campus project benefited significantly from streamlined supply chain management. This state-of-the-art facility not only ensures an extensive stock of bestselling products but also reduces lead times and supports efficient distribution across the UK.

For the Dunfermline project, this meant having immediate access to the required flooring materials without delays, ensuring that the project timeline was met seamlessly. The strategic location of the warehouse further enhanced logistical efficiency, enabling quick and reliable delivery to the site. By leveraging the scale and capability of Winsford’s operations, Gerflor demonstrated its ability to handle large-scale projects with precision and consistency, reinforcing its reputation for excellence in supply chain management.