Creative AfA Delivery Overcomes The Challenges of Small Heritage Stations
There’s an old joke about somebody giving directions and starting with the phrase: “Well, I wouldn’t start from here…” Sometimes Access for All (AfA) projects feel like that. Stations selected for full step-free access upgrades should be chosen on the basis of which ones will deliver the biggest benefits in terms of increased access and […]
Harmonising delivery: The importance of the integrator
Diverse stakeholders are a hallmark of the transformative projects many combined authorities are looking to implement, so a delivery partner able to integrate and align competing priorities with project goals is key to success. A complex matrix of network users, stakeholder agencies and suppliers is often a defining feature of combined authority transport infrastructure projects. […]
Multi-modal projects need multi-disciplinary leaders
Ensuring the optimal delivery of integrated infrastructure, that achieves combined authorities’ goals, requires a delivery partner who intrinsically understands not only the bespoke challenges of delivering individual modes of transport – but also the complexities involved in how the modes interface with one another and come together to create seamless journeys for passengers. Creating safe, […]
Public realm creation, Eastbourne, Terminus Road
About the project Flexibility key to success Terminus Road is the principal thoroughfare between Eastbourne town centre and the East Sussex resort’s seafront. Amenity to the road’s many restaurants and shops is being enhanced, and the route between town and beach revitalised, by a £3 million pedestrianisation project. As well as being free of traffic […]
Manchester Victoria North East Gateway: All about people and community
Victoria North East Gateway is a package of road, cycle and walking route enhancements that improve access to Manchester city centre, public transport and provide connections to walking and cycling schemes in other parts of the city. Octavius is Manchester City Council’s, Principal contractor for the project, which marks the company’s first win on the Manchester City Council […]
Successful AfA Schemes Help Build Public Trust In Rail
Throughout its history, it’s fair to say that the British public has had a bit of a love-hate relationship with its railways. This reflects the importance that rail transport has in our lives, culture and prosperity – it’s something we care about. Feelings tend to be even more mixed when it comes to the infrastructure […]
To Deliver AfA For Communities, You Must Deliver With Communities
Judging whether any project is a success depends on your viewpoint. With Access for All (AfA) schemes, you certainly need a wide range of perspectives to determine whether all relevant needs and priorities have been met. We cannot successfully solve access problems without involving people with lived experience. And beyond the functional needs of providing […]
Everyone’s Journey – Small Changes for a Big Impact
Octavius is proud of the Access for All (AfA) schemes we’ve delivered and how these have helped bring mobility opportunities to so many people. We’re also aware that physical transport infrastructure – however well designed – is only part of the story. Disabled people travel up to a third less than non-disabled people. It’s harder […]