Crown Paints supports restoration of renowned local landmark

Over the past three months, Crown Paints has supported the transformation of St. Mary’s Lighthouse, a much-loved historical landmark on the North Tyneside coast.

Located in Whitley Bay, the Grade II listed lighthouse has stood watch over the rugged coastline since 1898 and is currently used as a visitors’ centre and museum.

After weathering the elements for over a century the project has been completed on behalf of North Tyneside Council to preserve the lighthouse for future generations. The restoration has ensured the beloved landmark will continue to captivate visitors for years to come.

Completed by Trident Maintenance Services Ltd, the project saw Crown’s team of product and colour experts offering support in revitalising the lighthouse, keeper’s cottages and visitor centre.

Sandtex X-treme X-posure

Sandtex X-treme X-posure was chosen for painting the building’s exteriors due to its unmatched durability and guaranteed 20 years protection, which proved ideal for preserving the historic structure over the coming decades.

The product’s outstanding adhesion will safeguard the lighthouse from the elements, with its resistance to dirt, salt, and harsh weather ensuring the building’s aesthetic appeal remains intact, even when exposed to the full force of the sea.

Due to the nature of the building, the restoration project was restricted to quick working times due to rising tides cutting it off from land. The team also took measures to minimise any disturbance to the local biodiversity, as the lighthouse sits in the middle of a nature reserve.

Other challenges included climbing 18 sets of vertical ladders to reach the top, as well as liaising with an array of specialists throughout the process including audiologists, conservationists, planners, marine management organisation and coast guards.

In terms of colour selection, white was used to maintain the traditional appearance of the lighthouse and reflect its iconic look, and a green shade was chosen for the cottage and visitor centre. The opacity provided by Sandtex X-treme X-posure ensured a premium finish, restoring the lighthouse’s nearly 125-year-old exterior to its former glory.

‘An honour’

Jason Hampton, Key Account Manager at Crown Paints, comments: “It has been an honour to supply our exterior products for the restoration of St. Mary’s Lighthouse.

“From the beginning of the project, it was clear how important and beloved the structure is to the local community. It has been incredibly rewarding to see our products restore this landmark to its original beauty, allowing it to continue inspiring and guiding visitors for years to come.”

Mark Hetherington, from Trident Maintenance Services Ltd, adds: “Having the support of Crown’s expertise when undertaking the re-decoration of the lighthouse was invaluable and the whole team has been brilliant from start to finish.

“It was vital to us from the start of this project that the heritage of the site was maintained and that we used products that would be robust and perform well, preserving and protecting our much-loved St Mary’s Lighthouse. Thanks to expert team at Crown and the quality of the products used, we’ve been able to do exactly that.”

To find out more about Crown’s interior and exterior specification services, visit www.crownpaintsprofessional.com/brands/sandtex-trade/

To read more about St Mary’s Lighthouse, visit my.northtyneside.gov.uk/category/635/st-marys-lighthouse

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Fax 01254 774414

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