Combe Fields Road

The second half of 2023 saw Fitzgerald successfully deliver a series of highway improvements for the developer Manse Opus to facilitate access from Combe Fields Road into Ansty Business Park in Coventry. Ansty Park is a major business park located next to the M6 and M69 junction that provides access to the UK’s major motorway network.

Carried out under temporary traffic signals and a full road closure, the Section 278 works saw the construction of a new signalised junction off Combe Fields Road into the business park. The works were completed as part of a planning requirement for the Ansty Park development and required close coordination with Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council.

The project scope of works included carriageway widening, excavation, drainage into a new ditch and existing balancing pond, ducting for the new traffic signals and illuminated signage, kerbing, the construction of new footways, a maintenance layby, carriageway and footpath surfacing, traffic signal installation, post and rail fencing, and verge landscaping. Key project successes included:

Utilities coordination: During works on-site we worked with National Grid to successfully divert unchartered high and low voltage electric cables that were encountered during excavation. We also worked closely with BT to realign and lower the existing BT ducting to ensure no impacts to service provision during the works. Both activities were successfully done whilst minimising impacts on the overall programme of works.

Accommodating interfacing schemes: We held weekly coordination meetings with McClaren Construction Group to effectively minimise and manage scheme interfaces. McClaren were on the Ansty Park site throughout our scheme, building four new industrial units and associated offices as part of the continued expansion of the business park. This proactive and collaborative approach ensured no impacts on either scheme.

Minimising environmental impacts: We prioritised sensitive and effective environmental management of the works given their close proximity to landscaped balancing ponds. This included working with ecologists to undertake inspections for Newts prior to the excavation works starting.

The programme of works was delivered on time and on budget, with the new junction providing access into the expanding business park which is home to a number of high-profile companies including Rolls-Royce, Sainsbury’s, Cadent, Meggitt and MTC.

The Combe Field Road project was the first of two schemes that Fitzgerald have delivered for Manse Opus to meet the planning requirements associated with the Ansty Park development. The second has seen us deliver improvements to the nearby M6 Junction 2 gyratory. The collaborative nature of our partnership with Manse Opus, and our supply chain partners, has been recognised with positive feedback on our performance and discussions about potential further works associated with a proposed development off the M6 Junction 3.

“We have enjoyed working with Fitzgerald from start to finish. There were several delays during the procurement process. Their pre-contract team excelled during this phase, proactively and swifty updating budget costs several times to assist the client. Their site team managed the site and works well. Their non-site-based team were easy to deal with and quick to respond to keep the client team informed of progress at all times.”

Caolin Thomas, Senior Quantity Surveyor, Ridge & Partners (Built Environment Consultancy).

“We are delighted to have partnered with Manse Opus and our supply chain on two occasions to facilitate delivery of the Ansty Park development plans. The collaborative relationship is built on trust and proactive communication and characterised by a joint ‘best-for-project’ approach. It has been a pleasure to be part of works that are making this strategically important business and industrial hub for the West Midlands come to life.”

Nick Coley, Managing Director, Fitzgerald Contractors Limited