Leading transport infrastructure provider Octavius has been appointed to deliver the Broad Street regeneration scheme in March, Cambridgeshire.
As part of Cambridgeshire County Council’s March Area Transport Strategy (MATS), and with funding from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund awarded to Fenland District Council and the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, the project will transform the existing road layout and create a new public realm area. The two existing northbound lanes and traffic lights will be replaced with a single lane and a new mini roundabout, improving traffic flow and reducing delays at all approaches to the junction.
Work will commence in June and is expected to be completed in Autumn 2024. The scheme includes:
- Sensitively relocating the Grade 2 listed ornamental fountain, under the guidance of Historic England
- Creating a new stepped seating area, including retaining features
- Refurbishing the stepped access around the War Memorial and the steps leading to the river
- New planters, constructed of monolithic stone, and tree pits, incorporating root systems and uplighters
- The provision of two new bus stops and four new zebra crossings
- New street lighting, architectural lighting and pop-up power supplies
- Drainage improvements
- Installation of new signs and road marking
Octavius’ appointment was procured via a competitive tender process through the Eastern Highways Alliance Framework 3. It follows the successful delivery of surfacing work packages for Cambridgeshire County Council in 2022 when the team rebuilt failed sections of the Fen Roads.
Gavin Pritchard, Managing Director Highways at Octavius, said:
“We’re delighted to be working with Cambridgeshire County Council on this scheme that will transform March town centre. We will be working closely with businesses and the local community to keep disruption to a minimum whilst we deliver an environment everyone can be proud of.”
Cllr Steve Count, district and county ward councillor for March, member of the Future High Streets Fund Member Steering Group and member of Cambridgeshire County Council’s March Area Transport Strategy (MATS) Group, said:
“I’m delighted that work on the Broad Street transformation scheme is getting underway and look forward to working with Octavius as the project is delivered over the coming months. This project, combined with all the other investments into the town, is all about making the most of March’s wonderful assets, reducing congestion and traffic delays, and supporting the town to thrive and prosper in future.”
