Network Rail have commenced a much-anticipated refurbishment project at the Luton Arches in Chatham, lasting for nearly four weeks. Dating back to 1858, the railway viaducts are an iconic structure in the local street scene, but have become extremely run-down over the past few decades. The bridges are notorious for a problem with roosting pigeons, as well as leakages causing a white and green 'muck' on the brick walls. However, a team from B & M McHugh Limited - a building, civil & environmental contractors company - are currently undertaking the extensive refurbishment project on behalf of Network Rail. Having commenced on October 16, the project is expected to be completed by November 11. Contractors will be primarily carrying out the works during each night between 20:00 and 06:00, while day works will also be undertaken between 08:00 and 16:00. Currently, traffic management is in the form of alternating lane closures at the junction of Luton Road and Chatham Hill, but road closures may be required in the near future (not yet confirmed). Responding to Future Chatham's recent Freedom of Information request, a Senior Information Officer from Network Rail confirmed that the project is being completed in two phases. The first phase of the work includes:
The second phase of the works includes:
It was also revealed that the first phase of the project is valued at approximately £96,000, while the second phase has not yet been valued. In addition, a third-party source has stated that a spokesperson for Network Rail said that "tubular scaffolding" will be erected to "facilitate the masonry works & the installation of a new canopy above the pavement of the Luton Arches [Rochester-bound arch]." Local community group, Arches Local, have been campaigning for much-needed improvements to the railway structures at the Luton Arches for at least two years to date. Their team have been voicing the concerns of local residents during past meetings with Medway Council and Network Rail, regarding the ineffective pigeon netting currently in place, as well as the general environment including overgrown vegetation, litter issues, and the quality of the surrounding public realm.
Commenting on the refurbishment project currently underway, a spokesperson for Arches Local told Future Chatham: "Arches Local is really pleased to see the investment that Network Rail is putting into the Luton Arches and the surrounding area. "We know that when works are completed the area will look more cared for and be friendlier to pedestrians. We hope it will be the catalyst for further wider and deeper regeneration in whats acts as a major gateway between the Medway Towns. Leading to that busy intersection more accurately reflects the vibrant community, great people that live there, and better support their needs." One of Chatham's most important food stores has reopened its doors following a three-week long refurbishment project. British supermarket chain, Iceland, has unveiled a fresh new look to the supermarket store on Chatham High Street, as both existing and new customers were welcomed in on September 28 for the official reopening. The extensive £600,000 refurbishment project has delivered a modernised and more dynamic shopping experience for its customers, with colourful new in-store signage and an attractive fascia highlighting this key improvement. New-look, state-of-the-art freezers have also been fitted in, while striking digital signage has been installed at the end of each aisle to promote the latest offers. The checkout tills have also been upgraded. Although the dominance of frozen food remains a crucial part of Iceland's retail heritage, new products such as a wider range of fresh fruit and vegetable, and more alcoholic drinks, have also been added to the store's shelves. The refurbishment project follows Iceland's wider ambition to press forward plans to refresh its 860-strong store estate, with its branch in Clapham Common being the first to boast the new format model back in October 2016.
Future Chatham is extremely pleased to see the Iceland supermarket store in Chatham has undergone this vital makeover. Since the closure of the Tesco superstore on The Brook in April 2015, there's no doubt that sales have boosted by a significant amount for Iceland, being the only established food store in the eastern end of Chatham town centre. This store upgrade has created fresh opportunities for further growth of the store, therefore improving the local economy, while providing the needs of the local community in a more appealing shopping environment. |
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