Overview
The aim of the project was to deliver significant enhancements to the station frontage, improve accessibility with additional disabled and short-stay parking facilities, and create a more welcoming first impression for visitors to Stafford arriving by rail.
The scheme demonstrated McPhillips’ complex multi-stakeholder project delivery capabilities and highlighted the company’s expertise in maintaining operational continuity during major infrastructure upgrades.
This 14-week project was delivered on time and on budget despite significant operational complexities.
Technical delivery excellence
The works encompassed substantial elements including:
- Removal and replacement of existing surfaces with high-quality paving materials
- Installation of new road surfacing to improve durability and appearance
- Positioning of strategic fencing and bollards to manage pedestrian and vehicle movements
- Introduction of dedicated cycling facilities to encourage sustainable travel
- Installation of information boards to improve wayfinding for station users
- Creation of traffic management features including splitter islands to enhance safety
- Comprehensive signage implementation to guide all station users
The successful delivery of these technical elements within a live station environment, whilst maintaining operational continuity, demonstrates McPhillips’ expertise in complex public realm projects.
Challenges
The Station Approach project presented several significant challenges that required careful planning and management to overcome:
Maintaining access: One of the primary challenges was keeping the station open to the public while extensive work was conducted. The team had to implement creative solutions to allow for pedestrian access without compromising safety.
Stakeholder coordination: Managing the expectations and requirements of multiple stakeholders: 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: During the project, additional works were identified, such as resurfacing the short-stay car park. These changes were necessary to maintain the quality of the area but required careful integration into the existing schedule.
Public safety: Ensuring the safety of station users, pedestrians and the construction team while working in a busy transport interchange required comprehensive safety management protocols.
Time-critical delivery: With a condensed 14-week programme and years of planning preceding the construction phase, adhering to strict timelines while maintaining quality standards presented a significant challenge.
Urban infrastructure complexity: Working within an active transport hub environment necessitated careful coordination around existing utilities, transport infrastructure, and maintaining essential services throughout construction.
Our approach
McPhillips developed a tailored approach to address the unique challenges presented by the Station Approach environment. The execution of the project required meticulous planning and coordination. The redevelopment was divided into phases to ensure minimal disruption to the station’s operations. Key elements of the execution included:
Comprehensive stakeholder engagement: Recognising the critical importance of stakeholder management in this complex environment, McPhillips established robust communication channels with all key parties. Weekly coordination meetings were held to provide progress updates, discuss upcoming works, and address any operational concerns in real-time.
Phased construction methodology: To maintain station accessibility throughout the 14-week programme, McPhillips implemented a carefully sequenced construction approach. This involved dividing the work area into strategic zones that could be completed sequentially whilst maintaining essential access for pedestrians and vehicles.
In-house resource utilisation: McPhillips utilised its experienced in-house plant and labour teams to ensure control over project delivery, mitigating potential delays that might have arisen with external contractors. This approach provided the flexibility to adapt quickly to emerging site conditions and stakeholder requirements, maintaining momentum throughout the programme.
Detailed access planning: The project team developed comprehensive access management plans that maintained pedestrian routes, vehicle access points, and public transport interchanges throughout the construction period. This included temporary walkways, relocated taxi ranks, and adjusted bus stop positions with clear signage to guide station users.
Night shifts: Night shift road operations executed for 5 consecutive nights enabled the main road to remain open during the day, minimising daytime disruption.
Traffic Management: A dedicated traffic management and pedestrian marshal was employed to oversee the flow of pedestrians and vehicles. This role was vital in maintaining safety and accessibility, particularly during peak hours.
Collaboration with Local Businesses: Regular communication with local businesses ensured that deliveries and customer access were maintained. This proactive approach minimized complaints and disruptions to business operations.
Tactile Paving: A significant aspect of the project was the installation of tactile paving for visually impaired individuals. This feature was integrated into the design to enhance accessibility and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Commercial operations integration
Zero business disruption was maintained for commercial tenants throughout the construction period with comprehensive access and delivery coordination:
- WH Smiths (Inside station) and Starbucks (station entrance) operations were maintained with guaranteed customer access and delivery logistics
- Daily bin collection services coordinated through designated waste management area without interruption construction sequencing
- Taxi rank operations preserved through daily communication protocol with drives and flexible traffic management adjustments
- Short stay car park conversion to drop-off zone with simultaneous drop-off zone conversion to short stay parking requiring coordinated signage and operation transitions
Accessibility & infrastructure enhancement
Comprehensive tactile paving installation throughout project area enhancing visually impaired accessibility across all pedestrian crossing points and navigation routes:
- Extensive tactile crossing network installed across block paved and slabbed areas connecting station, car park, drop-off zone, and road crossings
- Planned accessibility compliance integrated into original project scope demonstrating inclusive design principles
- Borough Council oversight of accessibility features implementation with potential for feedback collection on user experience outcomes
- Road infrastructure improvement with deeper foundation work and additional binder course installation beyond original specifications for enhanced durability
Outcomes
The Station Approach redevelopment was completed successfully, achieving its primary objectives. In addition:
On-time and on-budget: The project was delivered within the planned timeline and budget, demonstrating effective project management and execution.
Enhanced accessibility: The installation of tactile paving and improved pedestrian pathways significantly enhanced accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities.
Benefits & added value
The Station Approach project delivered several notable benefits beyond the core requirements:
Gateway enhancement: The scheme has significantly improved the first impression of Stafford for rail arrivals, creating a more attractive and welcoming public realm that better reflects the town’s character and aspirations.
Economic catalyst: As a precursor to the wider Stafford Station Gateway development, this project has established quality standards and demonstrated delivery capability that builds confidence for future investment phases.
Accessibility improvements: The enhanced disabled parking facilities and improved pedestrian routes have made the station more accessible for all users, supporting inclusivity objectives and improving the user experience.
Transport integration: Better coordination between different transport modes (rail, bus, taxi, private vehicles and cycling) has been facilitated through the improved layout and facilities, supporting sustainable travel choices.
Public realm quality: The replacement of deteriorated surfaces with high-quality materials has elevated the visual appeal and durability of this important public space, delivering long-term value for the community.
In-house resource benefits: McPhillips’ use of its own in-house plant and labour teams enabled greater quality control, scheduling flexibility, and problem-solving capability throughout the project, contributing significantly to its successful delivery.
Positive feedback: Initial feedback from stakeholders, including local businesses and the public, indicated satisfaction with the improvements made to the station approach.
Testimonials
Tara Hollingsworth, project manager at Stafford Borough Council said: “I want to pass on my thanks for a fantastic job at Station Approach. The overall look of the site is great, very sleek, clean, bright and open. It’s a massive improvement on what was there. Thank you to all of you for the obvious huge amount of work that went into this.”
Steph Lee, Asset Manager with Network Rail, added: “It was a pleasure to work collaboratively with such an experienced, cooperative team from McPhillips on the Stafford Station concourse upgrades. Hopefully we at Network Rail will work with the team on larger rail infrastructure projects going forward.”
Conclusion
The Station Approach redevelopment project serves as a model for future public realm improvements. The successful collaboration among various stakeholders, effective project management, and a focus on accessibility and safety were key factors in achieving project goals. This case study highlights the importance of thorough planning, stakeholder engagement, and adaptability in overcoming challenges in urban redevelopment projects.