Station approach, Stafford

The project presented significant operational complexities requiring careful planning and management.

Maintaining station access to the public whilst conducting extensive works demanded creative solutions for pedestrian access without compromising safety.

Complex stakeholder coordination was essential, managing expectations and requirements of Network Rail, Staffordshire County Highways, Stafford Borough Council, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Staffordshire buses, taxi operators, and multi-storey car park owners. Unexpected works were identified during construction, including resurfacing the short-stay car park, requiring careful integration into the existing schedule whilst maintaining area quality.

Public safety management was critical, ensuring safety of station users, pedestrians and the construction team whilst working in a busy transport interchange.

The condensed 14-week programme, following years of planning, required adherence to strict timelines whilst maintaining quality standards. Urban infrastructure complexity within an active transport hub necessitated careful coordination around existing utilities and transport infrastructure whilst maintaining essential services throughout construction.

McPhillips developed a tailored approach addressing the unique station environment challenges through comprehensive stakeholder engagement, establishing robust communication channels with weekly coordination meetings providing progress updates and addressing operational concerns in real-time.

A phased construction methodology maintained station accessibility, implementing carefully sequenced construction divided into strategic zones completed sequentially whilst maintaining essential pedestrian and vehicle access.

In-house plant and labour teams provided control over project delivery, mitigating potential external contractor delays and enabling quick adaptation to emerging site conditions and stakeholder requirements.

Detailed access planning maintained pedestrian routes, vehicle access points, and public transport interchanges through temporary walkways, relocated taxi ranks, and adjusted bus stop positions with clear signage. Night shift road operations executed for five consecutive nights enabled the main road to remain open during the day, minimising daytime disruption.

A dedicated traffic management and pedestrian marshal oversaw pedestrian and vehicle flow, maintaining safety particularly during peak hours.

Regular communication with local businesses ensured deliveries and customer access were maintained, minimising complaints and business disruptions.

The Station Approach redevelopment was completed successfully on time and within the £700,000 budget in May 2025, achieving all primary objectives despite significant operational complexities.

Zero business disruption was maintained for commercial tenants including WH Smiths and Starbucks, with guaranteed customer access and coordinated delivery logistics throughout construction.

Comprehensive tactile paving installation enhanced accessibility for visually impaired users across all pedestrian crossing points and navigation routes, demonstrating inclusive design principles with borough council oversight.

The scheme significantly improved Stafford’s first impression for rail arrivals, creating an attractive and welcoming public realm. Enhanced disabled parking facilities and improved pedestrian routes increased station accessibility for all users, supporting inclusivity objectives.

Better transport integration between rail, bus, taxi, private vehicles and cycling was facilitated through improved layout and facilities.