Brooks Forgings' newly developed rebar ground anchor socket has gained popularity and become a preferred solution for various outdoor market refurbishment projects across the UK.
A significant refurbishment project was recently completed at Bilston Outdoor Market in the West Midlands. The £8 million redevelopment, part of the Bilston Health & Regeneration Programme (HaRP), was approved by Wolverhampton Council.
Their objective was to modernise the 200-year-old market by improving access, adding new canopies, and enhancing public spaces.
Approved Market Stall Anchor Sockets
In collaboration with the lead contractor, Speller Metcalfe, Brooks Forgings provided 520 pieces of a larger version of our ground anchor socket, made from grade 500c T32 (32mm diameter) rebar stock.
Our in-house manufacturing capabilities for forging and machining enable us to adapt to specific project requirements for length and diameter.
Brooks Forgings hot-upset forged, machined, and supplied 520 ground anchor sockets for the Bilston Market Restoration Project.
Specialised horizontal upset forging was used to forge the blanks from grade 500C T32 rebar.
The market stall ground anchors feature a flush-fitting cap and a stainless steel M20 DIN580 collared eye bolt.
Anchor Socket Installation
Once the groundwork is completed, the installation of the sockets is straightforward. A wet-drilling diamond core drill is typically used to create a hole to the required depth, and any debris is removed.
The socket is then test-fitted to ensure it sits flush with the ground surface. In this instance, the footprint of each plot matched the dimensions of the pagoda marquees used. A suitable resin is injected into the hole, and the ground anchor socket is inserted.
For this project, the contractor utilised a robust Hilti HIT-HY 200-A V3 two-part epoxy resin, which sets permanently after 24 hours.
For installation, a wet-drilling core drill is utilised to prepare each hole to the correct diameter and depth. A vacuum suction ring may be employed to minimise debris.
Since the market stall ground anchor is made of rebar, it can be resin-set in place using the robust Hilti HIT-HY-200-A V3 two-part epoxy resin. After 24 hours, it will be permanently fixed in position.
Anchor Socket Usage
The anchor sockets feature a threaded, flush-fitting cap for protection when not in use. When required, this cap can be replaced with M20 DIN 580 stainless steel collared eye bolts, which are typically supplied to each market stall owner.
The feet of the pagoda / marquee are then secured to these installed eyebolts, ensuring safety during high winds or sudden gusts.
A flush-fitting cap is installed when the market stall is not in use. This is replaced with a stainless steel M20 DIN 580 collared eye bolt when needed.
Bilston Market Reopening
The market reopened on Thursday, July 2, 2026. All outdoor stallholders used the issued pagodas marquees, securely fastened to the new market stall anchor sockets and eye bolts, ensuring the safety of all visitors.
The £8 million redevelopment at Bilston Market is part of the Bilston Health & Regeneration Programme.
Overhead drone shot showing the £8 million Bilston Market redevelopment project, successfully delivered by Speller Metcalfe.
If you need custom components or would like a quote for our rebar ground tie-down sockets, please reach out to our knowledgeable sales team today.
