Reinforced concrete wall on piles
Client: Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
Location: Stalybridge
Main Services:
- The Stamford Street Retaining Walls and steps are located in a conservation area and were identified as top priority for strengthening. They uphold and protect the A6018 Stamford Street that forms part of the Principal Road Network through Stalybridge Town Centre. The works were identified as having a potential impact on a number of historic features including the former Town Hall and Thorn House which are in a close proximity to the proposed works. The implications of the scheme on both listed and unlisted buildings and other features within the conservation area needed to be considered as part of the scheme.
- The design and specified materials needed to be sympathetic to the conservation area setting whilst providing a safe and robust practical solution to longstanding highway maintenance and safety issues. Other challenges included designing and constructing traditional looking masonry that complied with modern containment requirements, minimising the need for expensive service diversions by innovative design methods, working on steep embankments with restricted working spaces, maintaining traffic flows on the A6018 and mitigating disruption to the adjacent businesses during the works.
- The scheme was shortlisted for the Institution of Civil Engineers Community Award as extensive consultation and stakeholder involvement was carried out prior to the design and during construction. It is also acknowledged that apart from improving the highway infrastructure the scheme will also act as a catalyst for regeneration.
