20 December 2011
Trench Farrow, part of the WYG Group, has facilitated the completion of more than two miles of key roads for a major development in Swindon.
Project managed by Trench Farrow the newly opened roads, which comprise 12 significant structures including just over a mile of new canal and significant flood attenuation features, will allow for through traffic to the Wichelstowe development and enable further development to commence.
The global award-winning consultancy was originally appointed back in 2003 by Taylor Woodrow Development Ltd as project manager for the development - an expansion to the Swindon urban area on a 760 acre site comprising 4,500 homes, primary and secondary schools, retail, leisure and amenity provision and the opportunity for local employment.
Jeff Davis, Associate Director, Trench Farrow part of the WYG Group said: “Wichelstowe is a great project to work on. There have been many challenges and we are pleased to have been involved from inception to this key milestone. We have assisted the joint client Taylor Wimpey and Swindon Borough Council to procure the design team, to manage the design and detailed planning process and to procure and administer the infrastructure contracts whilst working within the appropriate governance procedures necessary to meet the requirements of two very different client organisations.
“Now acting solely on behalf of Swindon Borough Council we look forward to continuing our relationship and providing project management support as they determine the way forward for the future of the development.”
Rob Powe, Programme Manager, Swindon Borough Council, commented: “Construction of these roads represents an investment of some £30 million. They provide the core infrastructure needed before work begins in the next phases of development at West and Middle Wichel. The masterplan for these parts of Wichelstowe is currently being reviewed with public consultation scheduled for next year.”
The masterplan for the development was granted outline permission in 2005 and work began in May 2006 with the first homes occupied in April 2009. Some areas of the development are now complete including 430 homes comprising 200 affordable homes, terraced and one bedroom up to four bedroom houses as well as a primary school and landscaped open spaces around the houses and canal.