Cwmbran town centre redevelopment
Facts and figures
- Over 100 Interserve employees
- Phase 1 and 2 value is £17.5 million
- Phase 1 contract was signed in July 2000 and was completed by February 2002. Phase 2 was signed in August 2003 and lasted 12 months
- Redevelopment of four-hectare site in a busy location to create new town centre facilities
- 50 per cent of area excavated for construction of underground car park, major service diversions and challenging traffic management
A flexible and co-operative approach resulted in a Gold Award under the Considerate Constructors Scheme and the accolade of “Most Considerate Site 2002”. The citation read as follows:
“Set amidst a bustling town centre and surrounded by busy roads, this project faced many operational constraints. The project team met this challenge admirably and through their dedication, commitment and professionalism successfully completed the project with a minimum of disruption to retailers and shoppers.
"The Contractor made an outstanding effort, “going the extra mile” was standard procedure for this site team. Many initiatives benefiting the environment, local businesses and schools were implemented. High profile events involving local dignitaries and a visit by Bob the Builder also enhanced the Contractor’s reputation among the local community.”
Phase 1 comprised the redevelopment of a four hectare site to create new town centre retail facilities. 50 percent of the area was excavated to provide an underground car park, whilst the remainder housed a brand new supermarket and parking areas.
Services diversions were paramount as all major supplies crossed the site to serve the existing town centre. Much of the detailed routing, co-ordination with structures, services and traffic movement were dealt with on site via close liaison with relevant bodies. The high volume of traffic and pedestrians required skilful planning and co-ordination of new routes as work progressed.
Buildability exercises resulted in simplification of the works with consequent benefits that included cost and programme savings, reduced disruption to traffic, pedestrians and the shopping public.
Problems were magnified by the high volume of traffic and pedestrians. Disruption was reduced by moving the new routes away from traffic and pedestrian routes or by combining routes. Traffic management schemes were planned early with the Local Authority and the Police to accommodate the service and minimise impact. The constant discovery of uncharted services tended to disrupt the installations but a flexible approach kept this to a minimum. Exploratory digs were carried out to check the routes before installing the plant.
A major success of the project was that it was delivered on time and within budget without compromise to the safety of the public and other stakeholders in the existing busy town centre.
This success was followed by the negotiation of Phase 2 comprising demolitions, alterations, re-roofing and re-cladding works - again executed in a busy environment where public safety, phasing and traffic management issues remained top priority.
