JP Concrete has successfully supported the £23.3m redevelopment of Preston Bus Station.

The company has installed the final bespoke reinforced concrete barrier for the development.

The work was completed in time-critical phases to allow the station to remain operational, with approximately 33 precast barriers designed and manufactured by JP Concrete.

Preston Bus Station, the second largest in Europe, was built in 1969 by BDP & Ove Arup.

Based on invaluable experience gained during a successful contract at Leicester Bus Station, JP Concrete has been able to share vital information with Engie, the leading regeneration, energy and facilities management company. Initially, this brought about a weight-saving L-shaped barrier - installed during the first phase – that has reduced tonnage by 30 per cent, saving on materials, transport and installation costs.

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Speaking for Engie, Design Manager Phil Whelan said: "We have all been under a huge amount of pressure to get the bus station handed over, especially with the first phase being such a learning curve. JP Concrete have been totally prepared throughout, working very hard to help us meet our important deadlines – proving easy to work with alongside our engineers, Westlake's Consulting and AHR architects, who finalised the design of the East apron.

"After that tricky first section, the second and third phases have worked like a dream. This is despite having to work around such a big, fully operational bus station with a total of 80 gates prior to the redevelopment.

"Closing off sections and keeping others open has been very complicated, but JP Concrete know exactly what they are talking about, especially with design, impact requirements – and how elements of the concrete would form a visible, tactile part of the new structure."

Preston Bus Station's ongoing redevelopment will also include a brand-new public square to the former Western bus apron.

The refurbishment aims to regenerate the best of the original 1969 design, replacing the lighting and existing timber rests, whilst retaining the original rubber floor.

Signs will also be updated to reflect the new uses of the building, but with the original style reinstated. On the Preston Guild Hall side of the bus station, the area currently used for bus stands will be developed into a new public space.

(CM/MH)