The £1.4m Crescent Car Park modernisation project for Somerset Council presented some unique challenges. The car park was located right in the centre of Taunton and the project comprised the main car park reconstruction with the associated highway improvement, a new roundabout and significant power utilities upgrade.
Residential properties and live businesses were in very close proximity to the worksite and half of the existing car parking capacity had to remain in use for the public during the entire reconstruction works. The existing HV electricity supply had to be upgraded to supply the installation of 19 new EV charging points.
We immediately looked at simplifying the project as much as we possibly could from the outset alongside applying our inhouse geotechnical expertise. Ground bearing tests were instigated early in the project programme and the outcome of these early investigations identified significant cost savings and mitigated other potential project risks.
The car park construction depths were reduced and modern fabric technologies were adopted to strengthen the flexible surfacing pavement layers. This avoided risks to existing utilities, reduced material disposal from the site minimising disruption to the local community and highway network. Early identification also enabled our proactive and safe management of contaminants without impact to the scheduled project completion.
The finished project has delivered more than just a new car park with a significantly improve and sustainable public space incorporating lighting improvements, improved drainage, new tree pits, and stylish new street furniture.