The constant reminders that the economy is on the upturn is well supported when you travel along Barnwood Road. Construction, Buildings Works and Civil Engineering projects are emerging rapidly, with an apparent urgency to get these projects completed as soon as possible.
The major re- construction of the Wall Roundabout and its arterial road systems is well underway and work remains on target to be completed by the end of July 2014. This will be followed by the second phase of the works at C&G Roundabout; which is programmed to be completed by the end of October 2014. Work started in earnest in late February 2014 and has moved on quickly, despite the intricate planning involved in co-ordinating the Utility services of Gas, Electricity and Water to complete their individual installations. Traffic Management, is the other critical factor in the project, this is being successfully managed at this stage also!
There has been a conscious effort for work to continue with the minimum of disturbance to vehicle users and local residents. The Contractor Hewlett Construction Ltd and Gloucestershire County Council, with support from Amey have agreed a timetable for traffic management to be fixed for a period between 09:00 and 15:00hours from Monday to Friday; this allows journeys to work and school to move freely without any lane disruption.
Along Barnwood road; the old Barnwood Builders yard is being replaced by a new Morrison’s Shopping Outlet, which will also, incorporate twelve apartments. Behind the barriers that have been erected, there is a hive of activity, operating in a very safety conscious environment. Consequently the project is progressing to plan and the development is due for completion in time for Christmas. It is reassuring that Barnwood Construction is managing this project with the minimum of disturbance to traffic flow and the local residents around the site.
Directly across the road at the Wotton Hall Club, the newly appointed “Spice House” Indian Restaurant and Takeaway seems to have appeared overnight? This is quite a coup for this ambitious and progressive club which is never afraid to work in partnership with other business. This alliance is a similar in many ways to the Club’ s agreement with the Post Office in 2010, which has proven a really successful venture. Early indications are that the Spice House food is a very good too!
Moving along the Barnwood road towards the City; the Cross Keys Public House which has been closed for about a year is undergoing a complete make–over. It is to be re-opened as the Queens Fish & Chip Restaurant and Bar. There will be ample parking and the Beer Garden and Children’s Play Area will be retained. Work is well underway and the opening date of Mid July is on target to be met!
At the junction of Barnwood road and Elmbridge road is the Barnwood Medical Practice. This long established Centre, which has been a focal point for the Community, will be closing, with all Patients being transferred to the new Medical Centre in Horton road. My understanding is that the new Centre will be responsible for the patients, not only, from Barnwood road, but from the practices at Heathville road and London road too. It will be interesting to see how this new Centre meets its obligations for this extensive number of patients?
The results of this redevelopment will undoubtedly impact on our Environment, however this will hopefully be for the benefit of our Community and will ultimately provide a range of quality services that our Community quite rightly expects.
