Stonehenge Visitors Centre

Client

English Heritage / Vinci Construction UK

Overview

Situated 1.5 miles from the iconic stone circle, the Stonehenge Visitor Centre forms part of a £27 million English Heritage improvement scheme, designed to bring one of the world’s most significant heritage sites into the 21st century. Spanning almost 2000sqm, the surrounding paved areas were laid using locally sourced Chicksgrove limestone—selected for its durability and its ability to complement the surrounding landscape. These hard landscape elements provide sustainable access routes for visitors, whether on foot or via shuttle, while remaining sensitive to the site's natural geology and minimising environmental impact.

Our Contribution

We were approached to investigate and find a solution to staining that occurred during the construction phase, when rainfall on the newly installed cedar timber cladding caused significant sap bleed. This resulted in deep, unsightly staining across sections of the Chicksgrove limestone paving. Following a detailed on-site assessment, we successfully carried out a targeted removal of the sap staining, then completed a full deep clean of the entire paved area. To protect the surface against future wear and anticipated high footfall, we applied a breathable, invisible impregnating treatment—preserving the natural aesthetic of the stone while enhancing its durability. Working through the night, we completed the works within an extremely tight deadline to ensure the site was ready in time for the Winter Solstice gathering.