Retractable Loading Bays
Weatherproof Covers for Seamless Loading
Maximise loading efficiency and shield your operations from the elements with Stuart Canvas’s Retractable Loading Bays. These intelligently engineered covers offer reliable weather protection for your loading docks, safeguarding goods and streamlining logistics.
Our retractable loading bays can increase the efficiency of your industrial operations.
Key Features & Benefits
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Space-saving retractable design
The cover lies flat against the building when not in use, then extends to securely bridge the gap between your facility and trucks keeping your loading zone dry and operational. -
Robust build for long-term performance
Constructed with heavy-duty galvanised box section steel and 650 gsm PVC, these retractable loading bays are built to endure industrial usage and harsh weather. -
Customisable for your facility
Tailored to match your specific loading bay layout and operational needs, our retractable tunnels offer both fixed and freestanding configurations complete with optional floor or sunken tracking systems for smooth and durable functionality. -
Versatile and multi-functional
When extended, the tunnel forms a weather-tight envelope around the loading area. In other settings, larger designs double as temporary storage zones or sheltered workspaces for forklifts.
Built from Concept to Installation
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End-to-end service: We handle everything initial site survey, detailed CAD design, bespoke manufacturing, and professional installation delivered by our dedicated in-house R&D and operations teams.
Protect your loading operations from delays and damage. Reach out today for a tailored quote, operational advice, or to explore structural options that suit your facility’s layout and workflow.
PVC material is durable, sturdy, waterproof, and tear-resistant, giving it versatile applications. PVC is simple to maintain; it can be cleaned with a wet towel or washed with soapy water. It is waterproof with great weather resistance, including rain, snow, hail, UV rays, and frigid temperatures. We offer PVC in 580gsm to 900gsm weights with our most popular being 610gsm, which offers a great balance between performance and aesthetics. PVC is also available as a fire retardant option.
Manufactured from 580gsm PVC, this durable PVC comes in a variety of striped colours, making them versatile for different aesthetics. Specifically for canopies and market stalls, they offer ideal protection against the elements, being both waterproof and UV stabilised, ensuring longevity and reliability in outdoor settings.
This recyclable material offers a fabric weight of 350gsm whilst providing a tensile strength that is greater than a heavy duty PVC of 610gsm. The material is entirely PVC-free as it is manufactured from recyclable polypropylene. It can come with a polypropylene rope inside the hem. It also has a high UV durability of at least 5 years for Northern Europe. Recyclable polypropylene can be used on any application in which PVC would typically be used. It is also available in an extra-heavy duty 600gsm weight.
Durable and stylish multi-purpose ripstop fabric is available in a range of vibrant colours. Ripstop Canvas is a specially woven fabric that prevents tearing and ripping, making it ideal for projects that require the organic look of canvas but need the strength and durability that ripstop can provide.
Woven Polyester offers the perfect balance of science, toughness and style. It is a lightweight, highly water resistant, breathable, non sagging and durable fabric, ideal for covers, awnings, UV strips, upholstery, cushions, umbrellas and sun shades. It is available in two weights with various finishes and a wide range of colours to suit all applications.
Specially designed windbreak material is manufactured from robust polypropylene. It is UV stabilised, making it ideal for year round outdoor use. The material blocks the majority of wind from passing through, creating a still air area behind it. The porous nature of the martial prevents it from acting like a sail in high winds, while still offering protection.
Heavy duty PVC mesh is an extremely strong hard wearing fabric with a high tensile strength. The mesh allows for wind to pass through while still creating a strong barrier; it is ideal for areas requiring increased ventilation. It can also be added to PVC material to create an opening, for example, to create a window on a PVC machine cover to the retractable tunnel.

- Allows for a tunnel to be moved into different locations rather than being fixed on tracking
- We can offer a range of caster wheels for different surfaces, including astroturf
- Swivel wheels can be added for extra movability

- We can add bespoke windows to allow extra light into a tunnel on the sides and roof
- We can manufacture both mesh and clear PVC window sections, the mesh allows for extra ventilation whilst the clear PVC keep the tunnels waterproof
- Window can be added to each Keder section

- Our electric motors allow you to open and close a tunnel with the click of a button
- We use a durable pully system connected to our heavy duty electric motor to create an effective retracing mechinsuim
- Our expert design team can advise on the best solutions to electrify your tunnel project

- With our remote control electric motor systems, you can operate the retracting mechanism from a distance
- Our simple-to-use remote control can be operated from indoors, allowing users to be inside a control office and open and close the tunnel ready for use

- Make your tunnel standout with contrasting keder PVC sections
- Ideal for sports clubs, match the clubs brand colours to the tunnel
- Contrasting colours can also be used to make the tunnel visible for health and safety
- Our in-house printing team can add your branding and full-colour images directly onto tunnel sections
- We can also create removable printed sections for each kedar panel. Each section is held on with velcro and allows you to change the printed sections quickly and easily. These are ideal for sports clubs where the sponsor logo can change regularly
It is important that a retractable tunnel or temporary structure is subject to correct use and maintenance while in use.
DOWNLOAD Maintenance & Guidelines
Replacement Wheels can be purchased from our online shop.
Our seasoned install manager oversees our in-house installations teams. With decades of experience and SSSTS qualification, he brings extensive knowledge and skills to our teams.
Depending on the job requirements, our install staff can hold CSCS cards along with ASMA, IPAF, and FLT certifications, ensuring they are equipped to handle diverse tasks safely and efficiently.
From working at height to groundwork, we use a wide range of machinery tailored to suit every job. Our arsenal includes diggers with various ground working attachments and our own scaffold tower, welding machines, and a fleet of vans and extra long wheelbase trucks.
We maintain contracts with major suppliers of plant and powered access equipment, ensuring access to top-quality resources for every project.
Retractable Loading Bay's FAQ's
A loading bay canopy is a weatherproof structure that protects goods and staff during the loading/unloading process.
Yes, our designs are built to withstand rain, wind, and frost, ensuring uninterrupted operations all year round.
Absolutely, we tailor each tunnel to fit your loading bay dimensions and operational needs.













