Agenda item

To consider proposals relating to the commissioning of construction works in respect of the West of Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme and UK Cyber Business Park (Phases 1 and 2) and the making of any Ancillary Orders in relation thereto.

Cllr Nigel Moor, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, sought approval of proposals for the commissioning of construction works relating to the West of Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme, including UK Cyber Business Park (Phases 1 and 2).

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals, alternative options and reasons for recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and,

RESOLVED to: -

Delegate authority to the Lead Commissioner, Highway Authority, (in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning), to:

1. Conduct a competitive procurement process for the supply of highway construction works in relation to the West of Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme; and UK Cyber Business Park Phases 1 & 2; and award such contract(s) to the successful tenderer;

2. Make any other ancillary traffic regulation orders that might be required to successfully implement the scheme such as temporary traffic regulation orders (TTRO’s for speed limits etc.) during the construction phase of the project.

Cllr Nigel Moor, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, presented proposals seeking the commissioning of construction works relating to the West of Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme, (including the UK Cyber Business Park Phases 1 and 2).

Cllr Moor outlined the background to the decision. Referring to the A40 as ‘a key strategic route for local and national traffic exiting Junction 11 of the M5 Motorway and travelling between Gloucester and Cheltenham’, Cllr Moor drew attention to the congestion and traffic delays experienced along this busy route, particularly at peak periods.

Cllr Moor confirmed that the County Council was highly supportive of the UK Cyber Business Park proposals, including the proposed redevelopment of 45 hectares of employment land. Expanding on how the development would assist in promoting the economic prosperity of the County, Cllr Moor explained that the Cyber Park required access along the A40 to enter/leave Junction 11 of the M5. 

Members noted that a package of works had been identified to improve the capacity of the A40; reduce journey times and unlock land for future development. The four phases of the proposed scheme had an estimated total value of £22million, for which it was proposed £13.7million would be allocated by the County Council to carry out Phases 1 and 2 of the scheme.

Cllr Moor confirmed that the Outline Business Case for the scheme had been approved by the GFirst LEP to fund Phases 1 and 2. A Full Business Case was currently in the process of being finalised, with a view to seeking full approval of the following works: -

1)    Provision of an additional circulatory lane at the Arle Court roundabout, (including associated widening of the approaches/exit routes to the roundabout);

2)    Improvements to the Arle Court Park and Ride; (to include Westbound entrance/exit routes for vehicles travelling between the roundabout and Gloucester);

3)    Bus lane modifications to support public transport and cycle improvements; 

4)    Widening of the Eastbound carriageway at Junction 11 of the M5, heading towards Cheltenham/Arle Court Roundabout;

Pending approval of the decision, the Council would commence a competitive tender process for the supply of highway construction works in relation to Phases 1 and 2 of the scheme. Authorisation would enable the Council to engage with suppliers in securing a highways construction contract and provide best opportunity to meet the timescales set out in the LEP Full Business Case.

Cllr Moor thanked the Major Projects Team for the hard work and technical input in setting out this major ambition. Cllr Patrick Molyneux, Cabinet Member for Economy, Education and Skills, concurred with this sentiment and highlighted the importance of the proposals in conjunction with progressing the council’s other major schemes, including the Cyber Business Park and Fastershire Broadband projects.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Mark Hawthorne, stressed the value and importance of this huge investment and thanked officers for their hard work in securing funding which would place Gloucestershire at the forefront of regional development. 

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals, alternative options and reasons for recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and,

RESOLVED to: -

Delegate authority to the Lead Commissioner, Highway Authority, (in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning), to:

1. Conduct a competitive procurement process for the supply of highway construction works in relation to the West of Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme; and UK Cyber Business Park Phases 1 & 2; and award such contract(s) to the successful tenderer;

2. Make any other ancillary traffic regulation orders that might be required to successfully implement the scheme such as temporary traffic regulation orders (TTRO’s for speed limits etc.) during the construction phase of the project.