The truth about drainage in commercial car parks

The main function of drainage systems is to remove rainwater. We all agree up to this point. However, other needs must be taken into account, depending on where they are installed ie. motorway services, airports or shopping centres. 

One of the features of larger car parks is that their drainage systems can cope with constant traffic be it cars driving or people walking over the channels. 

Imagine arriving at a shopping centre, you open the car door and immediately step into a large puddle. Not the best start to the day! 

Undeterred you continue with your shopping trip, returning to the car hours later weighed down with all those wonderful purchases. Then you feel the jolt and stop in your tracks, your heel is now stuck in the grating – feeling flustered and wanting to get home your memory of the trip is tainted, not the experience either you or the shopping centre wanted.

Shopping centres sell products sure, but they also sell experiences and create memories, which is why the user experience is becoming increasingly important in these large spaces. 

For this drainage project, two key factors will determine its success – the efficiency in preventing waterlogging and the safety of its users.

Silverburn Shopping Centre acknowledged both these factors, which is why 1100 linear metres of Kompaqdrain City drainage channels were installed in its car park. 

Located in Glasgow, this shopping centre is one of the largest in the UK, with over 100 stores and a 100,000m2 car park. With more than 2000 parking spaces spread over many levels, can you imagine how many people pass through every day?