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Stakeholder Engagement in a New Era of Communication
01 December 2020 | Kate Cusack
The scheme
The West Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme (WCTIS) will play an important role in unlocking access to the Golden Valley Development (home of Cyber Central UK). We know the whole scheme is hugely significant to the local area and the public’s interest reflects this. Knights Brown has therefore, made effective stakeholder engagement an important focus area.
Our team began work to construct the first two phases in early June. These take place on the A40 between J11 of the M5 and Cheltenham. Phase one includes widening the Arle Court roundabout and approaches and design and construction of a pedestrian and cycle bridge. Phase two comprises widening the eastbound carriageway from the M5 to the roundabout.
Stakeholder engagement
We were unable to lead our stakeholder engagement activities personally due to coronavirus restrictions so instead, adopted digital communications to connect remotely. We did this in close collaboration with Gloucestershire County Council. This proactive response allowed us to share information and engage the public effectively in a short space of time. Our approach has been both commended by the council and welcomed by the public.
We registered the project with the Considerate Constructors Scheme and in its first audit in October, it scored a commendable 40/50.
We have had bespoke posters designed to support a speed reduction campaign. And we have created detailed project public information boards to erect alongside our site compound.
Speed reduction campaign
Our dedicated community liaison officer shares time between this site and other similar schemes, including Cardiff Central Square.
Gloucestershire County Council
WCTIS is the third highways project Gloucestershire County Council has awarded to Knights Brown, and follows our work on the A419 Stonehouse and A4173/A46 Pitchcombe Junction. We received a Silver Considerate Constructors National Award for the A419 Stonehouse, with effective stakeholder engagement being a core attribute.