Shrewsbury Pride Hill work to re-start early in 2019 with new contractor

Telford company, McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd, will take over work on the pedestrian street after former contractor Casey's Ltd was criticised for the length of time it was taking to finish the job.

Shropshire Council says the work is planned to begin again on February 4, with an anticipated completion date of spring 2019.

In a statement, the council said: "Unfortunately, the delivery of the scheme this year was not what Shropshire Council expected and, as a result, the council will not be proceeding with the previous contractor.

"However, we’re pleased to announce the appointment of a new contractor, McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd. Their locality and previous experience will allow the successful delivery and completion of the works, to the required and expected standard."

The refurbishment of Pride Hill is part of the council’s £12 million Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Plan.

Improving

It follows other projects such as the redesign of Meole Brace Roundabout and the Abbey Foregate Gyratory System, and involves laying York stone and granite setts, installing new street furniture, and improving lighting.

The council said it would be recommencing its formal consultation with Shrewsbury BID, Shrewsbury Town Council, other key stakeholders and businesses, in order to successfully complete the scheme with the least amount of disruption possible.

The Pride Hill work is part of a programme of enhancement works in Shrewsbury town centre being carried out as part of the Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package and aims to make a positive and consistent change to the quality of the public realm within Shrewsbury town centre.

Shrewsbury's Business Improvement District was one of the groups that complained about the disruption that the work on Pride Hill was having on local businesses.

The work aims to discourage through-traffic from using the town centre, create a pedestrian-friendly town centre environment with an increase in footfall, reduce the number and severity of accidents, promote economic vitality, attract investment and create "a heightened sense of place and wellbeing".