VolkerHighways completed phase two of the Hornchurch Town Centre Enhancement Scheme in June. This major scheme to update the high street and future-proof the town, carried out on behalf of the London Borough of Havering, was completed successfully and on schedule.
The £1.3m works started in January 2013 and comprised of paving, new footways, carriageways, street lighting, drainage, traffic signals and soft landscaping.
The scheme has provided an improved high street and pedestrian environment with the aim to help boost business growth. As well as this there are now greener areas and enhanced cycling facilities to encourage local residents and visitors to enjoy the public spaces.
One of the main aims of the re-development was to reduce the speed of traffic and to create a better traffic flow. This was achieved by installing new speed ramps and pedestrian crossings, benefitting the public by giving them safer options to cross.
VolkerHighways is dedicated to offering opportunities for young people interested in working in the civil engineering and construction sector. James Gunn, VolkerHighways apprentice, worked in the project team as part of his tailored development plan, combining academic learning with on-the-job training.
James said: "This experience gave me the opportunity to work with experienced tradesmen and gain more knowledge of how projects work from start to finish. I feel I have earned more responsibility and look forward to my future with VolkerHighways".
Richard Chantigny, VolkerHighways contracts manager, said: "This enhancement scheme is a major project in the area and we are proud to be a part of it. I would like to thank the project team for all their hard work and efforts on such a tightly scheduled project."
Chris Smart, regeneration officer of area programmes for the London Borough of Havering, said: "The success of this project is largely due to the excellent management processes that VolkerHighways has maintained throughout and workmanship of an extremely skilled and tireless workforce. The attention to detail in all aspects of the project has been faultless and the relationships fostered between workers and local traders have helped immensely delivering this complicated project.
"I would have no hesitation in recommending this particular crew to anyone embarking on a major scheme of this size and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved."
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