Project overview

Bedford

Location: Bedford, UK

Bedford had been using their retractable seating unit for over 21 years, and while the structure itself remained in solid condition, the seating and upholstery had become worn, outdated, and in some areas unsafe. Seats were no longer retracting properly, some were missing entirely, and the upholstery showed significant wear and tearing.

Recognising the need to restore the unit to a safe, modern, and fully functional standard, Bedford reached out to us to help bring their system back to life.

Solution

Following a site visit, we confirmed that the retractable understructure was in excellent condition, making refurbishment a practical and cost-effective option. With this in mind, we began a full modernisation of the seating system.

Disposal of the existing seats, steps, fascia, and carpet began first before we began. The unit was then upgraded with 112 of our S200 seats, each with a 555 mm centre to provide improved comfort and a consistent layout. All seats were upholstered in the Camira fabric range, giving the entire unit a fresh, cohesive appearance. Armrests, seat numbers, and row identity lettering were added to enhance usability and organisation.

To complete the transformation, we installed new steel‑grey carpets to create a clean visual contrast and reinstated access to the under-unit hatch. New aisle steps were fitted; each finished with non-slip nosing to improve safety for users.

Bedford’s refurbished unit is now fully restored, safer, and significantly more modern, extending its lifespan for many years to come and providing a much-improved experience for its team and visitors.