MSF1 – Collaboration – Loughborough Town Transport Scheme

“The early completion of phase one and the unprecedented support from local residents and businesses was a result of the collaborative proactive approach taken by Leicestershire County Council and Eurovia to deliver the project. The project team were supported by the Midlands Highway Alliance to strategically monitor project performance and motivate wider community development. “

Project: Loughborough Town Centre Transport Scheme                Client: Leicestershire County Council

Partner/Associate: Eurovia (Ringway)                                                       Contract Value: £8.5 million

Length of Project: 1 year, 6 months                                                             Completion date: November 2014

 

Background:

In the heart of Loughborough the mass amount of traffic and congestion on the busy A6 was conflicting with pedestrian movement in and around the centre of Loughborough. The proposal removed this conflict, separating pedestrians and heavy vehicle flows without undermining transport access, thus improving the shopping experience in the town centre. Alongside this the scheme enabled regeneration of the town centre, improved public transport links and better accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities.

 

 

Objectives:

The strategic aim of the project was to upgrade the transport infrastructure around the town centre whilst also providing improved aesthetics and access to the shopping facilities and ensure capacity for continued growth and development.

Key achievements:

The scheme was delivered in three phases. The first phase was the construction of the new Inner Relief Road which started May 2013 and was completed in March 2014, four weeks ahead of planned completion. This enabled the early opening of the relief road and facilitated the works of the next two phases, for both the market place and the roundabout upgrading works.

The early completion of phase one and the unprecedented support from local residents and businesses was a result of the collaborative proactive approach taken by Leicestershire County Council and Eurovia to deliver the project. The project team were supported by the Midlands Highway Alliance to strategically monitor project performance and motivate wider community development. The success is testament to more than simply an understanding of the civil engineering and management complexities. A fundamental appreciation of the aspirations and needs of those directly affected by the scheme, from inception through to works execution and project handover, is also demonstrated.

■ Scored independently 43/50 by Considerate Constructors Scheme and awarded ‘Performance beyond compliance’ for the sites positive impression and innovative approach to public engagement.

■ Well-developed environmental practises have enabled initial recycling targets of 95% to be exceeded with 97% being achieved.

■ Succession of Employment Skills Plan (includes the employment of 1 Graduate, 5 Young person and undergraduate placements, 2 Apprentices and 6 local employments.

■ HS&E training and awareness delivered (5 people on SMSTS/ SSSTS, 10 people attended Managing H&S course.

■ 9 local community and educational hosting events have been held

■ 50+ people working on site have attended skilled (short) courses

■ 5 members of staff trained and attained CSCS or CPCS cards.

 

Throughout the project there was also a strong commitment to support the local community.

■ Local schools partnership – for example constructing planters and donation of time capsule for Cobden Primary School.

■ Provision of materials and labour for the landscaping of community areas – for example Chapman Street Gardens and Loughborough in Bloom 2013 & 2014.

 

Throughout the project a high regard was promoted for the safety and welfare of the workers and the general public. Examples of this included:

■ Managing the work logistics around special events; minimising area of works during times of peak footfall and vehicular traffic.

■ Visits to local schools to raise awareness of site and road safety.

■ Organising safety walks and braille leaflets for students of the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

■ Installation of temporary manned crossings for vulnerable road users.

 

As well as sharing innovation and best practice the project has demonstrated exemplary work on much broader matters, such as the succession of the employment skills plan, which continues to be shared with other members of the framework.

Finances:

Exemplifying imagination, innovation and positive action towards project improvement a number of time and cost saving innovations have been developed throughout construction. The team has thus far made significant savings of around £1.6m, all being cashable, demonstrable cost saving.

The relief road was the first phase of the Loughborough Town Centre Transport scheme. £14.8 million was funded by the Department for Transport to help transform the town centre, boost the environment and spark regeneration.

Looking to the future:

Some of the examples of how Leicestershire County Council and Eurovia have jointly and successfully managed the project to exceed the expectations of stakeholders include:

■ Extensive public consultation with local residents and businesses, both formally and informally, before, during and after construction.

■ Employment of a full-time public liaison officer with a dedicated 24hr contact number, email address and an active drive to encourage regular contact.

■ Holding weekly planned public drop-in ‘surgery’.

■ Maintaining regular correspondence with all local residents and businesses; including leaflets, letter drops, and individual meetings and appointments.

■ Facilitating a workshop for site personnel – ‘Excellence in the community’.

■ Planning and delivering the works on time, right first time, safely, diligently and professionally.

 

We hope to replicate these successes in future projects and collaborations.