Case study : Central Square and Tudor Street Infrastructure Works

Knights Brown were awarded the £6.4m Central Square project for Cardiff City Council in March 2020, under Lot 9 of the SE Wales Highways Framework. The project involves highways improvement works in the Central Square development area in Cardiff City Centre.

The project involves improvements to Wood Street as part of the wider city centre regeneration, with the aim of improving sustainability and air quality in the area. The works involve installing a new highway layout that will improve the current bus network, offer improved safety for pedestrians via improved pedestrian crossing facilities and install a network of stepped cycle routes to connect the

Case study : Taff Vale Footbridge

The technical design, cost, stakeholder engagement and construction including ancillary works, services diversions required for the construction of the new pedestrian footbridge over the River Taff between the Taff Vale Redevelopment Site and Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd.

Case study : Birchgrove Regeneration, Cardiff North

Under the City of Cardiff Council’s Neighbourhood Renewal Schemes (NRS) programme, the aim of the Birchgrove local shopping centre project, delivered by ERH Communications & Civil Engineering, was to improve public access to the shopping centre.

Specific improvements were: new pedestrian crossings and relocation of a bus stop for public safety; more efficient parking; removal of steps and realigning and replacing the existing kerbline; excavation of existing footways which were replaced with new and re-used block paving; new street furniture including bins, bollards and seating; and increased greenery.

A particular challenge during the project was ensuring continued access to properties for local business owners while maintaining the safety of the general public.

Case study : Trowbridge Mawr Estate regeneration, St Mellons, Cardiff

As part of the City of Cardiff Council’s commitment to improve the condition of housing stock, the regeneration of Trowbridge Mawr Estate was undertaken by ERH Communications & Civil Engineering.

Specific improvements were: new development of more family homes; highway improvements including footway/carriageway resurfacing; traffic calming and improved street lighting; steps and ramped access; improvements to communal areas; gulley improvements; front garden parking with new boundary walls and railings; and landscaping works for improved open spaces.

A particular challenge was the number of crime related incidents, which affected the health and safety of on site staff. This was effectively managed with the local authority and the residents ensuring the project was delivered on budget and on time.

Case study : Brynmawr bus station, Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent

Blaenau Gwent Council commissioned an audit of the layout of the bus station due to poor existing access to the town centre. Funds from the South East Wales Transportation Alliance were granted, enabling Griffiths Civil Engineering and Construction to undertake the £500k project.

The 22-week programme was planned to make the bus station a safer, more attractive more sustainable means of access to public transport. Works included: site clearance; earthworks; removal of 1500m² of existing surface and relaying; 1000 m² of fuel resistant road surfacing; drainage, kerbing and pavement construction. Plus installation of new traffic lights, CCTV system, ANPR bollard system and improved street lighting, bus shelters, cycle stands and signage.

A phased programme ensured the bus station remained operational throughout with minimal disruption to local businesses.

Case study : Millennium Footbridge refurbishment, Bute Park, Cardiff

With an estimated 22,000 crossings made every week, the Millennium Footbridge is located on the border of the Riverside and Cathays areas of Cardiff and spans the River Taff, providing a pedestrian and cycle link between Sophia Gardens and Bute Park.

Cardiff Council appointed Griffiths Civil Engineering and Construction to undertake the £150k essential maintenance works needed (since it was constructed in 1999). Key aspects of the project were: bridge refurbishment; shot/grit blasting; waterproofing and anti-slip surfacing; PPG5 and flood defence consent. The bridge was closed during the 10-week project and a Community Liaison Plan was developed to communicate with the public and local businesses.

A particular challenge was that the footbridge required encapsulation, in line with Pollution Prevention guidelines 5, to protect the river beneath it.