Major Highways Programme, Wokingham, Berkshire
Sector
Infrastructure
Value
£124m
Status
In progress
Background
The £124 million Major Highways Programme is an important project for the historic market town of Wokingham that will provide vital infrastructure upgrades for the local community.
Wokingham Borough Council appointed Perfect Circle via Scape Group’s National Built Environment Consultancy Services (BECS) framework because of its experience in delivering highways projects and NEC contracts, use of an OJEU compliant framework, and availability – along with having access to an extensive supply chain, including SMEs and local teams.
Requirements
The four-year package of works will include the planning, design and construction of nine vital road schemes in Wokingham, as well as four strategic development roads providing access to 12,000 new housing units in the region. These vital works aim to alleviate congestion, enhance accessibility and deliver the infrastructure required to support the successful future of Wokingham Borough.
Works for each individual project have been split between an initial stage one design period – including required surveys and agreed enabling works – and a stage two construction phase.
Challenges
There are nine separate schemes involved under the Major Highways Programme and therefore coordinating the project has been a challenge. Community engagement, including keeping the public informed of road closures and minimising the impact these cause, has also been a key challenge.
Projected outcomes
The project will have a huge impact on the community as it will open opportunities for Wokingham, enhancing accessibility and alleviating congestion. It will also improve staff wellbeing and enable significant savings in CO2 emissions.
Economically, the project has – and will continue – to provide value. At the peak of the construction phase, the programme will employ more than 150 people, as well as provide multiple apprenticeship and graduate opportunities. Additionally, there has been engagement from SMEs.
Additional services provided:
Quantity Surveying
