Two Ballymena companies are nearing completion of a prestigious contract in Belgium for global brand Hard Rock International.

Construction and interior specialist Patton is currently working on the strip-out, build and fit-out of a new Hard Rock Cafe Brussels, partnered with the Galgorm Group which is supplying the catering equipment.

“Patton already has a close association with Hard Rock Cafe, having worked on new build and refurbished outlets for the company in London, Manchester and Edinburgh,” said Patton’s Commercial Manager, Alan Taylor. “For the Brussels project, we were able to use our proven experience and expertise with heritage buildings to meet the unique demands of converting a 17th century building with heritage status into a modern cafe that met all the requirements of the Hard Rock brand.”

Celebrating their contract win for the new Hard Rock Cafe in Brussels are (from left) Gary McMullan, Contracts Projects Manager, Galgorm Group; Raymond Ruck, President, Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Alan Taylor, Commercial Manager, Patton.

Located centrally in the heart of the city’s historic Grand Place, the conversion of the multi-level building into a contemporary Hard Rock Cafe held many challenges for the Ballymena company.

“The work had to be carried out sympathetically, subject to the restrictions imposed under the historic building’s protected status, with the schedule having to be programmed around the successful application of various permits from the heritage authorities and the work hampered by restricted site access,” explained Alan.

“The fit-out also had to incorporate all the features for which the Hard Rock brand is known,” said Alan. “For example, when it came to putting rock memorabilia up on the brick walls, we had to devise a means of doing this without actually drilling into the walls of the old building. Our solution was to construct an independent steel structure with channels on which the rock memorabilia could be attached without compromising the building’s heritage.

“When it came to installing the catering equipment, we worked closely with the team from Galgorm on the joinery work so that it could all be tailored to integrate successfully into the kitchen, bar and restaurant areas.”

Gary McMullan, Contracts Manager, Galgorm Group said, “We have worked with Patton before and always found the company to be extremely professional and approachable. This contract will hopefully act as a catalyst to future successful partnerships between us and Patton.  Having two local companies come together for such a prestigious project made us very proud as a company.”

Alan Taylor added, “We recommended Galgorm for the job because of its previous proficiency in this field and we look forward to the possibility of working with Galgorm again on any future Hard Rock International contracts in Europe.”

The 5,800 square-feet Hard Rock Cafe Brussels is due to open this summer and will feature seating for 150, a live music area and a merchandise-filled rock shop.

Congratulating both Patton and Galgorm Group on their prestigious contract wins with Hard Rock Cafe, Ballymena Borough Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Raymond Ruck, said, “It is heartening to see two local companies forging ahead and opening up new markets in Europe. These are difficult times but by being proactive and widening their horizons these businesses have shown the way forward to continued success.”

A leading construction company in Northern Ireland, Patton is currently celebrating 100 years in business. With sustainability at the core of its operation, the company has recently refreshed its brand with a new corporate identity and revamped website.

For further information on Patton, tel 028 2564 2141, e-mail info@patton.co.uk or visit www.patton.co.uk or Twitter @PattonTweet

For further information on the Galgorm Group, tel 028 2566 3444  e-mail sales@galgormgroup.com or visit www.galgormgroup.com

For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.