Somerset County Cricket Club – External Staircase

Project Overview
•    Client: Somerset County Cricket Club
•    Location: St James St, Taunton TA1 1JT
•    Services Provided: Fabrication & Installation
•    Completion Date:  July 2025
•    Project Type: Bespoke staircase
•    Timescale: 3 weeks
•    Materials: Mild and Stainless Steel
 

Our Solution
Denton-Powell designed the fabrication strategy around precision and efficient buildability.

Fabrication & Installation
The entire fabrication process, from initial manufacture to final preparation was completed in just three weeks, demonstrating Denton-Powell’s ability to deliver complex, bespoke steelwork on tight timelines.
Close collaboration with the architects and structural engineer, ensured the design was maintained while delivering a robust, buildable solution.

Project Impact to the Somerset County Cricket Club 
•    Introduced a new architectural feature to the Club
•    Enhanced the matchday experience for fans
•    Created a high-visibility route for players entering the field
•    Delivered a long-lasting, low-maintenance steel structure
 

Joe Taylor-Davies - Production Manager - Denton-Powell:  “This design was quite unusual, fabricated in three fully-welded sections ready to be assembled on site.’’
“The entire structure was made from mild steel with a galvanised and white powder coated finish. It also featured a bespoke rolled steel section for the half-landing, with a fully welded stainless steel curved balustrading with the final connections welded on site.’’
“The entire fabrication process from start to finish took three weeks to complete.”
Lucas Pimm - Designer - Denton Powell: “These projects are always exciting; they allow us to devise creative design solutions to challenging problems while in-keeping with the architect’s vision and maintaining a solid structure by liaising closely with the structural engineer.’’
“We thrive on such designs which create a lasting impact while focusing on creating efficiencies when it comes to buildability.”

The Brief
Denton-Powell were asked to fabricate and install a new external player staircase, designed by LED Architects and Structural Engineer Philip Derben.
The staircase needed to:
•    Integrate seamlessly with the existing pavilion
•    Create a visible, dramatic route from the dressing rooms in the Andy Caddick Pavilion to the pitch
•    Be durable, safe, and visually striking
•    Be fabricated efficiently and installed with minimal disruption

The Vision
At cricket grounds around the world, the walk to the pitch for new batters or the fielding side is part of the theatre of the game. This project brought that experience to Taunton, home of Somerset County Cricket Club, allowing fans at the Cooper Associates County Ground to watch players make their entrance from the Andy Caddick Pavilion.
The result is a feature structure that enhances both functionality and fan engagement.
 

Project details:
•    A 3.5-tonne mild steel staircase installed from the first-floor balcony
•    Fabricated in three fully welded sections, assembled on site
•    Mild steel with Galvanised and white powder-coated finish for long-term durability
•    A bespoke rolled steel half-landing
•    Fully welded stainless steel curved balustrading, with final connections completed on site
 

“We enjoy delivering projects that make an impact.”
— Joe Champion, Director, Denton-Powell

Why It Worked
•    Early collaboration with design and engineering teams
•    Efficient off-site fabrication
•    Bespoke detailing without compromising buildability
•    Clear focus on both aesthetics and performance