Charterholme—formerly known as the Western Growth Corridor—is Lincoln’s most ambitious development project in decades. With over £500 million in investment, it will bring 3,200 homes, a business park, leisure village, community facilities, and upgraded infrastructure to the area. A new 40-metre-long road bridge forms a critical part of the access strategy, linking busy Tritton Road to the new community.
GRAHAM, a privately owned contractor with a reputation built on integrity and responsibility, was appointed to design and construct the vital bridge connections for Charterholme. Working alongside Bell Formwork Services Ltd, GRAHAM required a formwork solution that could accelerate progress, navigate logistical constraints, and provide long-term durability.
Mekina worked closely with both GRAHAM and Bell Formwork Services to ensure a seamless integration into the overall construction process, helping to keep the project on time and on budget.
Mekina supplied 162 Mek-Dek 60/125 panels, each measuring 3.2 metres long and produced in a concrete grey finish to match the bridge’s design. Installed directly onto steel beams, the lightweight modular panels ensured efficient installation.
In just one shift, three operatives were able to install 80 panels using an excavator and hydraulic scissor lift—a clear example of how Mek-Dek provided The Edge by helping the programme run ahead of schedule.
As a permanent formwork solution, Mek-Dek stays in place after installation, removing the need for formwork removal and cutting down on site activity, waste, and disruption.
At Charterholme, the entire GRP formwork installation was completed in a matter of days.
GRAHAM
Bell Formwork Services Ltd
Mek-Dek Standard 60/125 GRP Permanent Formwork Panels
42 Westbrooke Rd, Lincoln LN6 7TB, UK
Get to know the team behind Mekina Industries – who are dedicated to giving your project The Edge through the greenest GRP formwork in the industry and unrivalled technical assurance.
With decades of experience in GRP permanent formwork and other bespoke GRP construction products, I focus on providing exceptional service to our valued customers in the highways and transport industries.
Director of Sales Operations
Our GRP formwork panels offer a distinct advantage: the elimination of the need for access beneath the structure during installation. Our lower embodied carbon and recyclability gives us the Edge over traditional formwork methods.
Director of Manufacturing Operations
My expertise in composites engineering empowers me to navigate complex design challenges, ensuring that Mekina’s engineering support to clients achieves the highest standards of efficiency, quality and sustainability.
Head of Engineering
As a Structural Engineer, I’m passionate about prioritising the safety and integrity of the solutions we provide to clients in the highways and transport sectors. My particular specialism is in finite element analysis (FEA) of GRP composite materials.
Structural Design Manager
My skillset combines engineering expertise, a deep understanding of materials and proficiency in using computational tools for analysis and design. Load testing Mekina products is key to understanding their long-term performance.
Composite Material Engineer
