Investigations will temporarily affect access to footpaths and highways in the Adelphi Quarter
A series of road and pavement investigations are due to take place in the Adelphi Quarter of Preston in preparation for the construction of the next phase of the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) Masterplan project.
On 11 January 2018, planning approval was granted to UCLan for the circa £60 million Student Centre and Civic Square project. As a result, a number of inspection trenches will be excavated in and around the Adelphi roundabout and connecting pavements and roads between early February and May.
The objective is to establish the precise locations of utilities, distribution networks and other underground features.
The work is programmed to take place in two phases. Phase one will affect access to pedestrian pavements only and is due to commence on 7 February. Alternative routing for pedestrians will be in operation until the end of March.
Phase two will begin in late April and continue for one week. The roads affected include sections of Corporation Street, Friargate, Moor Lane, Walker Street and Fylde Road. Temporary traffic lights should be expected during this phase but roads will remain open.
"These important investigations will ensure works can be carried out on time and with minimal disruption once the construction phase of the Student Centre commences, currently scheduled for early 2019."
Michael Ahern, UCLan’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “These important investigations will ensure works can be carried out on time and with minimal disruption once the construction phase of the Student Centre commences, currently scheduled for early 2019.
“During April and May we expect the preparatory work will impact on traffic coming into the City centre and we would advise road users to allow more time when planning their journeys.
“The teams involved are doing everything possible to ensure this essential work is completed quickly to minimise any inconvenience.”
The project, which is part of the University’s £200 million Masterplan development, will also see improvements made to hard and soft landscaping throughout the Adelphi Quarter. As part of the preparatory work, trees on the Adelphi roundabout will be removed and the University has pledged to add to the area’s existing stock in great numbers during the course of the development.
UCLan’s new Student Centre, which has targeted a BREEAM (environmental quality) rating of ‘excellent’, will be 7,304 sqm providing a new reception area, informal learning spaces and a student wellbeing support centre.
Designed as an iconic gateway to the City, the new square will span 8,440 sqm providing flexible and adaptable spaces for a wide range of community, public, business and student uses.
Any questions about the preparatory investigations being carried out can be sent to UCLanMasterPlan@uclan.ac.uk