A new contract to continue the Old Town Street and New George Street improvement works has been given the go-ahead today.
A delegated decision has been signed authorising a short delivery agreement to enable Morgan Sindall to carry out the next phase of the work.
This is the second phase of a three part project and this work is for further enabling works ahead of the main landscaping phase and will see more work carried out beneath the surface of the street, including deep drainage and connections for the rainwater and drainage systems as part of the rain garden and sustainable urban drainage system.
This means that at times of very heavy rainfall this area will be more protected from localised flooding. At the same time the water will be used more water wisely to irrigate the plants and trees.
This work is below ground – above ground the tired eighties landscaping has been removed and the plan is for a modern brighter more environmentally friendly public space.
As well as a new play area, features include new islands of greenery, places to sit and rest, a small performance area as well as new trees and plants.
Councillor Jonathan Drean, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “Clearly we have been working behind the scenes on this but have to follow a process. I am pleased to say that work will start again very soon on this extremely important project.
“We know how important this area is to our residents, our retailers and our city and have amazing plans to transform these key streets. We’d like to thank you for your patience but be assured you will soon see work starting up again.”
The new contractor will also be working to improve the appearance of the site compounds and boundaries and will be onsite in the next few weeks.