More awards for Manchester Metrolink, this time the sustainability of the new(ish) stop at Deansgate-Castlefield and also the Second City Crossing (2CC). The assessment into the sustainability of both has been undertaken over several years and both were rated as excellent in the CEEQUAL certification which looks at the projects both during and after construction.
2CC was praised for retaining and reusing materials wherever possible, creating a carbon calculator to assess the embodied carbon of materials and using acoustic fencing and blankets around excavation areas as well as a separate cutting area to minimise noise. The relocation of historic artefacts (the cross and cenotaph at St Peter’s Square) were also highlighted along with the implementation of traffic free zones.
Deansgate-Castlefield was also praised over efforts made to improve user enjoyment at the stop, which included the high level of attention paid to staircase detail and the development of the green wall. The introduction of ecological landscaping that incorporates facilities for wildlife such as nesting birds, foraging bats and insect species within the highly urban form was also praised.
The certificates were presented to TfGM and M-Pact Thales at the UK Light Rail Conference by James Hamnett, Chair of UK Tram. The areas assessed in the CEEQUAL assessment are Project Strategy, Project Management, People and Communities, Land Use and Landscape, Historic Environment, Ecology and Biodiversity, Water Environment, Physical Resources use and management and Transport.
Alex Cropper, TfGM Head of Operations, said: “I am delighted with this accreditation which really reinforces our commitment to environmental, ecological and social considerations during the development of major infrastructure. The challenges faced by both projects in respect of their busy and historically significant city centre locations mark this achievement as not only something to be proud of, but also something to set the benchmark for future construction. A lot of solutions required were particularly innovative and executed in a timely fashion following consultation with our construction partners as well as authorities, businesses and members of the public.”