Borough Council of Wellingborough appointed the main contractor through the Scape Regional Construction framework.
The repairs will extend the life of the car park and expand the number of available parking spaces by opening the rooftop for parking. Improvements to the lighting and CCTV will help to tackle anti-social behaviour. Four of the parking bays will feature electric charging points to support low-emission vehicles.
By opting to renovate the existing car park, the local authority has saved a significant amount in comparison to commissioning a new build. Construction of a replacement car park was estimated to cost more than double the project fee, while also negatively impacting visitor numbers to the adjacent Swansgate shopping centre and neighbouring retailers during the build process.
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Morgan Sindall Construction has split the repairs and improvements into phases to ensure minimal disruption to people using the free car park, which will remain open throughout the 10-month programme. Work is currently underway and on schedule to complete early in 2021.
A major element to the project involves repair of the concrete frame, where the reinforced steel bar has begun to corrode causing the concrete to spall in more than 3,500 places. Traditionally, cutting the concrete open to carry out the work would require a three-person team operating in close proximity.
To ensure the work is not unduly delayed due to social distancing restrictions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the site team is using an innovative technique involving high-pressure water jets, which can be operated individually, to break the concrete. The main contractor devised the solution with its supplier, Cemplas Limited.
The programme of improvement also includes work to refurbish the toilets, upgrade the fire alarm and sprinkler system, and fit more secure doors at the street level entrance points.
