Final phase of Shifnal town centre improvement scheme begins
The final phase of work in the £3.6m scheme to improve and enhance Shifnal town centre will be carried out from today (Monday 13 February 2023).
The work – being carried out by Shropshire Council and its contractor McPhillips – began on 6 September 2021. It will enhance the town’s existing infrastructure by improving – and in some areas reducing – traffic flow, and creating a more pedestrian-friendly area.
The vast majority of work was completed ahead of the town’s Christmas lights switch-on in November, with these remaining elements of the scheme due to be completed by mid March
The work to be carried out in the next few weeks is:
Renewal of the Co-op path
Work includes taking up and removing the old paving slabs and drainage channels. New drainage will be installed along with paving to match Bradford Street
The paving replacement will require careful management during construction. Pedestrian safety is of paramount importance and there is also the need to be mindful of the Co-op’s opening hours.
There isn’t a viable, safe alternative route for pedestrians wishing to access Bradford Street or the Co-op from the Aston Street car park outside of normal day time hours. Arrangements are therefore in place for the path to be closed during the day so work can be undertaken and then re-opened at the end of each day to allow access.
‘Walk boards’ will be provided to make access possible and during the day, and pedestrians will be diverted via The Parade, a short distance away.
Renewal of a short section of paving by Paton’s to remove the old brick paving
This was not included in the original scope but the team have considered it sensible to include as part of this phase of work.
Installation of hanging basket posts
There are eight double arm poles to be placed in locations as requested and agreed with the Town Council from the top of Bradford Street through to Market Place.
Replacement of a bus shelter on Victoria Road
The old shelter has been identified as being in need of replacement so a new shelter is to be installed which will tie in with the overall theme of street furniture in the town.
Rendering to the retaining wall around the public realm areas
This was affected by wet weather before Christmas and is in need of replacement – preparatory works have already started.
Works relating to the road safety audit, such as lining, signing, drainage and paving adjustments.
General snagging/defect remedials as identified by the works supervisor.
Richard Marshall, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways, said:
“These important works have already had a dramatic effect on the town centre environment, improving the public open space and making it far more pedestrian-friendly, and I’m pleased that the final work is now being carried out.
“Thank you to Shifnal Town Council for supporting the scheme and to the businesses and residents for their patience during construction.”
A site compound – smaller than the previous one – is situated in the corner of Aston Street car park.
The £3.6m scheme has been fully funded by Shropshire Council highways funding, Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds and developers’ Section 106 contributions.
The S106 funded the junction improvements and redesigned highway layout in the town centre. CIL funding has been utilised to improve the town centre public realm.
