Westgate Centre Redevelopment Remedial Works
Client: Laing O’Rourke Construction
Project: Westgate Centre Redevelopment Remedial Works
Date of completion: April 2021
Budget: £325,000
Summary:
The £500 million redevelopment of the Westgate Centre is a key part of the regeneration of Oxford city centre, creating high quality buildings designed by world-class architects and providing more than 3,400 new fulltime equivalent jobs.
Requirements:
Laing O’Rourke engaged ODS to carry out Section 278 works around the development, including Bonn Square, Old Grey Friars Street, and Queen Street. Its highly skilled and experienced Highways team delivered a range of remedial works, crucial to the project’s success, including resurfacing, drainage, line marking, manhole and gully installation, paving, landscaping, and the installation of benches, cycle racks, and grouting.
Challenges:
Traffic management and road closures: ODS leveraged its strong understanding of Government Section agreements and its established relationship with Oxford County Council to streamline the process of arranging Traffic Management Plans and applications for road closures. ODS ensured that traffic flow was managed effectively, minimising inconvenience and maintaining safety for all stakeholders.
Stakeholder management: ODS’s proactive communication with the council and all involved stakeholders allowed for efficient planning and execution.
Solution:
ODS’s deep understanding of Government Section agreements and its established relationship with Oxford County Council, facilitated the swift and efficient arrangements of Traffic Management Plans and applications for road closures.
As ODS is wholly owned by Oxford City Council, it was uniquely positioned to provide expert advice on the process for highways adoption back to Oxfordshire County Council upon project completion. This seamless integration between the different governmental bodies ensured the smooth execution and transition of infrastructure elements.
Results:
The Westgate Centre redevelopment project exemplifies how large-scale urban regeneration can be successfully executed through meticulous planning, expert collaboration, and skilled execution. The partnership between Laing O’Rourke, ODS, Oxford City Council, and Oxfordshire County Council has set a benchmark for future urban redevelopment initiatives, demonstrating the positive outcomes of investing in infrastructure and public spaces.
Feedback
“All works were carried out right first time, in an efficient and professional manner. ODS are well versed in the processes of working within Oxford and the stakeholders with whom strong relationships and interest need to be protected.” - Chris Rafferty, Project Director, Laing O’Rourke Construction
