Significant refurbishment works to existing live bus station
Seddon were appointed in the autumn of 2024 under the Pagabo Refit & Refurb Solutions Framework to carry out significant refurbishment works to the existing bus station in Matlock. The existing bus station was a very busy site but had suffered from vandalism over the years and was in need to refurbishment to create a refreshed and more inviting, brighter space to help facilitate and encourage the use of public transport locally.
Part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Bus Service Improvement Plan, the project also involved contributions from the district and county councils.
Description of works
The Council had already carried out some preparatory works in removal of shrubbery and a deep clan of the building. Our works then comprised demolition of an existing kiosk structure, formation of a new curtain walling opening in an external masonry wall with structural strengthening works, installing of new curtain walling, replacement lighting and redecorating to the concourse area.
The bus station remained live at all times throughout the works, with temporary waiting areas and bus stands being created. Several members of the public approached our site team during the works to observe that the works were desperately needed and they were glad action was being taken.
The client’s office was very close by and we were therefore able to have regular site visits and meetings, enabling the client to be fully involved as works progressed.
Contract
This project originally came to us as a traditional design contract but we identified several issues with the architectural and structural designs so proposed to the Council that the contract should be Design & Build to enable us to could manage this on their behalf.
Value engineering
The original design was over scoped relative to the client’s budget so we undertook several rounds of value engineering and scope changes until we had a design and price that the client could take to their cabinet for approval. We ended up with seven versions of the cost plan produced over a prolonged PCSA period, demonstrating Seddon’s commitment
to stick with a project and deliver to the client’s requirements even though it was a relatively low value.
Value engineering undertaken included:
• Changes to the structural alterations needed to incorporate the new curtain walling
• Changing the specification of the new LED lighting
• Changes the specification of works to block up existing redundant roller shutters
• Resequencing works to carry out demolition works out of normal working hours to reduce the overall programme duration
During the works we encountered additional structural defects with the existing external masonry wall, there was a lack of head and column restraint ties that we had to remedy. We managed to complete these works at no additional cost to the client as we were able to find other savings on the wind posts and temporary works design to offset this.
“I’ve used the revamped bus station and the improvements are first class.”
Steve Flitter
Leader, Derbyshire Dales District Council
