Description of Works
FM Conway, in partnership with Westminster City Council, has delivered a public realm upgrade scheme funded by Grosvenor to Motcomb Street in the heart of London’s West End. The project has seen a dramatic transformation of the prestigious street, through the introduction of new high-quality materials which reflect and complement the high-end shops, cafes and restaurants, including the likes of Christian Louboutin and Ottolenghi.
The work was carried out in a series of stages over a 15-month period and supported the pedestrianisation of the street, which was closed to traffic between 12pm – midnight to help maintain the village-like feel.
Alex Sampson, Contracts Supervisor at FM Conway, explains:
“The overall project aimed to improve the aesthetics of the street, delivering new paving, improved drainage, planting and lighting that encourages people to visit and spend time in the area.”
The use of high-quality techniques and materials, as well as a close attention to detail, was essential to ensure the project reflects Motcomb Street’s prestigious profile.
Alex continues: “We’ve widened and repaved the footway in attractive and highly durable Yorkstone, and skillfully re-laid the carriageway with tri-stone granite setts. The real difference, however, has come from several highly bespoke items that have been crafted specially – from drain covers embossed with the name of the street, to the creation of a carefully beveled granite drainage gully running the length of the road.”
Alex Sampson – Contracts Supervisor at FM ConwayWe’ve widened and repaved the footway in attractive and highly durable Yorkstone, and skillfully re-laid the carriageway with tri-stone granite setts.
As well as aesthetic improvements, the works have seen the complete reconstruction of the carriageway to strengthen its long-term durability and resilience.
Alex adds: “Due to careful planning and coordination with Westminster, Grosvenor and Thames Water, we were able to combine the new paving works with the replacement of the water main running under the street, taking the opportunity to then rebuild the carriageway with an entirely new sub base.
“This upfront investment ensures that the work we’ve done at surface level has strong foundations.”
Keeping the local community informed throughout the programme was critical to its success, with regular monthly meetings ensuring that residents and businesses were kept up to date and that disruption was kept to an absolute minimum.