Shaftesbury Avenue & Fire Station
In March of 2022, FM Conway used its bespoke materials matrix to identify the right material for major re-surfacing works in the heart of London’s theatre district.
Services used on this project
Surfacing
Aggregates & Asphalt
Delivering Innovation
For five years prior to the works, FM Conway had been carrying out research and development into asphalt materials to develop a matrix that helps identify the right material for every individual location. Before the Covid-19 lockdown, Westminster had applied for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to trial the FM Conway’s SureLane asphalt on Shaftesbury Avenue, as well as an alternative system for installing gully and chamber covers. SureLane, which is manufactured with a modified binder, is specifically designed for areas that are prone to rutting and require greater durability.
Due to other works on the network, and COVID-19 alfresco dining measures in Soho, the Shaftesbury Avenue works were delayed until March 2022, by which time SureLane had been laid on Whitehall and shown to work very well on a strategic bus route. This gave Westminster the confidence to opt for it again here, and FM Conway laid 1175 tonnes of surface and binder course material over a six-week period.
As a goodwill gesture, FM Conway added the yellow station identifier ‘A24 SOHO’ in front of the fire station.
Challenges and Solutions
The road closures gave other utility companies the chance to carry out work in the area, and FM Conway worked closely with Thames Water to enable it to carry to out maintenance works at the junction with Rupert Street. While this work was underway, and FM Conway was excavating for a deep drainage connection, the Gielgud Theatre requested access for large trucks to bring in scenery for the premiere of its new production of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. The FM Conway team made sure all its works were complete and assisted Thames Water in reinstating its works so the lorries could access the theatre and set up the show.
Soho fire station – the busiest in the UK – is at the east end of Shaftesbury Avenue. While access to the fire station was maintained throughout the project, the road closures had an impact on routes the fire engines could take to and from incidents.
“We engaged with them early in the planning process, and their requirements were considered and implemented when phasing the resurfacing and ironwork outside the fire station,” says FM Conway service development manager Alan Kraven. “That enabled the fire station to remain fully operational throughout our scheme.” As a goodwill gesture, FM Conway added the yellow station identifier ‘A24 SOHO’ in front of the fire station.
Outcomes
The work was split into four phases to minimise disruption to local residents and ensure that access could be maintained for emergency services. While the road was closed, Westminster commissioned additional work, including deep drainage repairs at the junction of Shaftesbury Avenue and Dean Street; maintenance, repair and resurfacing at the junctions with Piccadilly Circus and Greek Street; surfacing to Wardour Street and Dean Street; and civil engineering works along the kerb line and loading bays.
The resulting road surface provides a smooth ride, while also being highly resistant to the heavy, slow-moving traffic which uses Shaftesbury Avenue everyday.