Cambridge Car Parks complete 5 weeks early.
Cambridge City Council have always been front and centre when it comes to its parking facilities and their recent investment of £1.2m is a testament to their philosophy of keeping their parking provision in first class condition.
Makers Construction was awarded the contract after a competitive tendering process and embarked on the refurbishment programme at Grafton Street West, Queen Anne Terrace and its flagship site at Grand Arcade.
Parking at all 3 sites is in high demand at any one time with particular pressure on the Grand Arcade site. Working closely with the car park operator and local agencies Makers were able to optimise parking provision and still deliver a programme of works 5 weeks early.
“I’ve been delighted by my teams response to the challenge placed before them, they have driven the contract forward with the help of the team involved to a very successful conclusion under demanding conditions. I believe we have had the right blend of youth and expertise who have sensitively managed issues placed before them” Simon Lamb (MD Makers Construction).
The Grand Arcade has been subject to a full refurbishment designed to protect the structure for the next 10 years and deliver a better parking experience for shoppers and visitors to Cambridge.
Triflex parking deck systems were incorporated to deal with both the concrete and asphalt deck surfaces and Makers undertook a complete redesign of the original drainage installation to alleviate the severe ponding experienced on all the exposed levels.
During winter months some parking was decommissioned due to the increased ‘ice risk’ but these areas can now be returned for the Christmas shopping period as demand peaks.
As well as the car park receiving its new look the shopping centre were so impressed with the transformations that they decided to complement the new look and engaged Makers to upgrade all the foyer areas during the contract, creating a fresh modern feel to the customer interface areas.
Locals and visitors alike have commented 
on the transformation of the facility which now appears brighter cleaner and user friendly.
“I always park here, but I like the work that has been done, it looks cleaner and fresher”
Mrs J Hussain, Cambridge
“Some areas always had standing water, there were always empty bays but it looks like you guys have sorted it”
Mr J Cundy, Local Resident Cambridge
The Grand Arcade works were completed under difficult considerations, but the team consisting of Makers, Cambridge City Council and Stripe Consulting had full co-ordination and a communication strategy to inform the parking public of Cambridge throughout the refurbishment programme adopting all forms of Social Media.
“We would like to thanks the users of the car park for their patience and consideration, in particular the parking managers and their respective teams for helping at every point without their assistance the success of this project would not have been possible” Simon Lamb (M.D Makers Construction).
“We have been impressed with the manner in which Makers have conducted themselves and would have no hesitation in recommending them for similar future works” Sean Cleary, Commercial Operations Manager, Cambridge City Council.
“I am pleased that we have been able to complete these essential works earlier than expected which reduces disruption to customers. This was a key priority throughout the investment programme and will help us to continue to provide parking facilities expected by the hundreds and thousands of people who use them each year” Councillor Kevin Blencowe.
The ability to drive a project under difficult pressures require clear thought, communication, coupled with pragmatic approach and lots and lots of energy. Designs, knowledge and capability are all key but without the correct drive and leadership often miss the target. The collective approach by all the team involved created the opportunity to deliver this project ahead of time.