RPS Leads Public Realm Packages for Magherafelt

A major new public realm project has recently been completed in Magherafelt town centre, Northern Ireland with RPS’ Belfast Landscape Architecture team project managing the landscape design and engineering packages including appointment of contractor FP McCann and full contract administration, and quality management.

The £2.6m project encompasses new footpaths in natural sandstone pavements and new civic spaces, new and enhanced road crossings for pedestrians, cycle racks, new traffic management arrangements & street parking, road safety audits, bespoke street lighting, tree planting, street furniture, and cyclist/pedestrian and road signage.

RPS was appointed by Mid Ulster District Council and was fully responsible for landscape design, project management, civil & structural, landscape design, M&E, planning, consultation, traffic and roads engineering works through design and implementation for the scheme in Magherafelt’s busy and restricted streets.

Our landscape architects worked closely with the client’s initial brief and prepared scheme design and detailed drawings to allow the relevant planning consents to be secured, then subsequently advised the client on appropriate procurement strategy, and prepared the relevant documents to allow Contractors to be appointed. Procurement followed a two stage select list via PQQ and ITT using CPD templates.

RPS maintained an accurate Early Warning & Compensation Event Register as part of its strict cost management procedures to meet client and DSD budget requirements – helping to control financial expenditure and identify early risks and appropriate remedial actions when necessary.

Regular client & design team meetings were arranged and chaired by the RPS team to established communication procedures & responsibilities and present RPS’ designs. RPS regularly reviewed the scope, programme & anticipated costs including reviewing alternative design & construction solutions & provided cost estimates for such for client approval. RPS oversaw statutory & public consultation, made all necessary presentations to Council members and amended designs as necessary, prepared detailed Works Information packages for the Invitation to Tender Stage and set stringent performance and design quality standards.