Award-winning contractor McPhillips “rose to the challenge” to successfully deliver a public realm project as part of a multi-million regeneration scheme in the West Midlands.
The Tipton works, delivered on behalf of Sandwell Council, are the first phase of an ambitious scheme which has involved the introduction of a new 20mph speed zone, raised pedestrian crossings and improved footways, new paving, new street lighting and better pedestrian connectivity.
Managing director Paul Inions said: “I’m really proud of what our team has delivered on Owen Street in Tipton. It’s great to play our part in delivering public realm schemes transforming town centres and communities.
“It’s a project that’s created real opportunity too, with two McPhillips apprentices and a traffic management apprentice gaining hands-on experience, and a site team drawn entirely from the local area. That local benefit, alongside the finished scheme itself, is something we’re very pleased to have delivered for the people of Tipton and Sandwell Council.
“We’ve worked hard to keep the town centre open for business throughout construction, and we’d like to thank residents, traders and the council for their support.”
Sandwell Council praised the McPhillips team for working closely with the community.
Alan Lunt, Sandwell Council’s Executive Director – Place, said: “This successful public realm project for Sandwell Council was delivered by McPhillips under the Black Country Highways Works Framework.
“We’re grateful to the McPhillips team for their care and sensitivity to help businesses keep trading and ensure shoppers could access the town centre throughout the works.
“They rose to the challenge of working in busy streets with ever-evolving traffic management arrangements and this is another example of a quality project being delivered.”
The firm were also praised by local businesses for their communication throughout various stages of the near £1m project, keeping them up to date with any delays or disruptions.
As part of the scheme, the contractors also committed to a range of projects to deliver impact in the community beyond the construction. They engaged with local schools to provide DIY start packs to local care leavers moving into their housing.
The site has now officially been handed back to Sandwell Council, with council representatives meeting with McPhillips staff at the site recently to tour the work.
The public space improvements were funded as part of the wider regeneration project in Tipton Town centre, which is supported by £20m of government funding and will also include new council homes.
The completion of the project on Owen Street, one of the town centre’s busiest shopping areas, comes after McPhillips were selected for the new multi-million Black Country Framework and a £100m framework in Herefordshire.
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