Construct - Issue 49

LIFE The transformation involved replacing the road surface in Manette Street with York stone paving and granite setts, planting trees and installing new lighting and cycle stands. The same palette of materials has been used for Greek Street and Charing Cross Road, where new road surfacing has also been laid. FM Conway divided the work into two phases, starting with the 100m stretch of Charing Cross Road, as that had the biggest impact on traffic across Westminster. The work included constructing a new layby, and once that was completed the team used it for delivering materials to Manette Street and Greek Street. The biggest challenge was carrying out the work while minimising disruption to the existing businesses and the new tenants of Ilona Rose House. “The building was open, and people were always coming and going, which needed careful consideration and planning,” says Nick.

led by senior contract manager Liam McKay, had to ensure people always had access to the building whatever was going on outside. “We had lots of different temporary accesses throughout the build, and also tried to screen the works from the reception so it didn’t feel as though they were in the middle of a construction site,” explains Mark. Understandably, the other shops and businesses within the project area were also concerned about the impact of the works. FM Conway’s customer liaison officer Helen McConnell worked continuously to ensure their needs were accommodated, supported by project manager Chris Collins. “Communication was absolutely key,” says Mark. “It was a construction site, so we had to work to limit the disruption as best as possible, and everyone bought into what we were doing. They could see how proactive we were being to support them.” Work is now complete, and the new public realm has achieved the transformation that both The City of Westminster and Soho Estates were looking for.

FACTS

Contract Ilona Rose House Public Realm Client Soho Estates

Value £740,000

Contract period 2023 - 2024

FM Conway division - Term Maintenance

The main entrance to Ilona Rose House is on Manette Street, so the construction team,

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