The Highways and Special Projects division of Nottinghamshire
based civil engineering and building specialists North Midland
Construction plc (NMC) has won a £1.5 million contract for
infrastructure and public realm work on the North Wakefield Gateway
section of the 'Emerald Ring' project.
NMC has been selected by Wakefield Council to work on the
project that has been designed to improve transport links into and
out of the Northern Quarter of the city centre for bus users,
commuters, cyclists and pedestrians. The council has re-designed
the existing road network and created new sections to remove city
centre traffic and make way for a pedestrian friendly central
area.
The work NMC will be undertaking includes altering the highway
network in the north part of the city, introducing bus priority
measures, upgrading junctions and installing new pedestrian
crossings.
The project also involves public realm work to enhance the area
around County Hall with re-kerbing, new pavements and improvements
to Coronation Gardens which includes the installation of tree pits,
planting areas and a new boardwalk around the war memorial. NMC is
using York Stone and Granite for the new additions to match the
listed buildings in the conservation area.
Geoff Poyser, executive director of Special Projects at NMC
said; "We're delighted to be undertaking the work that will
complete this major regeneration project in Wakefield. NMC has
extensive skills and experience in infrastructure and public realm
work and it is an area of the business that has seen steady growth.
The North Wakefield Gateway will improve transport links in the
city and seamlessly combine the old with the new to provide an
attractive central area for people in the city."
Andy Wallhead, Wakefield Council's corporate director for
regeneration and economic growth, said: "This contract marks
another milestone in the regeneration of Wakefield city centre and
we look forward to the completion of the Emerald Ring, improved
transport links and a better environment for pedestrians."
NMC is due to start work on this project in September with
completion expected by early summer 2012.