Bethell Construction

Chapel Street Pedestrianisation

Chapel Street in Southport is one of the main shopping areas with the route containing national chain shops such as Marks & Spencer, BHS, Boots and Woolworths.  As part of the Transportation Strategy for Southport, it was agreed to pedestrianise Chapel Street to create a safe and attractive environment for shoppers and visitors, that is the creation of a public open space.

Bethell Construction Ltd commenced the works in January 2006, phasing the works with the Client to minimise the effect on the businesses.  The works involved the installation of over 7,000m2 of granite paving, street lighting, CCTV, surfacing and street furniture with soft landscaping.

The major challenge linked to the delivery related to the managing of third parties, that is those not directly involved, but nonetheless affected by the works.  Weekly forums were set up by the Project Team (Client and Contractor) at which business representatives were offered the opportunity to discuss the works and review the progress.

Day to day liaison was maintained throughout the period as the inevitable variations in the works resulted in local changes in the planned works.

A close relationship was established and maintained with representatives from Southport Business Enterprise so that construction matters could be filtered to the stakeholders. Regular newsletters were published and distributed to all to provide an update on the delivery.