Challenge

This was a major project which involved numerous sites across the whole of the midlands. Centro’s aim was to transform the midlands into one of the major transport hubs of the UK, with a major upgrade of transportation links, with bus new shelters being installed in numerous cities, and a restructured transport plan.

Due to the wide area involved in the project, cohesion was of paramount importance. Three regions with differing aspirations had to be worked into one overall concept. This also meant working with three separate contractors across each of the locations – Eurovia in Wolverhampton, AMEY in Birmingham, and Balfour Beatty in Solihull – along with different architects in each area. A number of areas within the project provided their own issues to be overcome such as narrow footpaths requiring flexibility from the chosen solution.

Solution

Bespoke aluminium Cantilever Motis Shelters were a great solution, as Marshalls were able to create bespoke side panels to suit narrower footpath width in certain areas such as Birmingham. As the bus shelters would be used during the day and night time, public safety was of vital importance, so a lighting solution needed to be in place. Marshalls were able to provide BIM 3D renders for the client to see at an early stage of the project beforehand to aid the concept design.

Integrated photocell lighting ensures that the shelters are lit after dark, whilst also improving energy efficiency and save running costs by only switching the integral LED lights when necessary. The bespoke M3 seats also give users a comfortable and safe environment to wait in after hours.

All 25 of the shelters and seats in this first phase of the project have been customised with Centro’s branding. The front of each of the high quality shelters bears the Centro logo, and the arms of the M3 seats were custom painted in the blue colour to match.

Marshalls’ project management was a huge asset to this project. With large projects running concurrently, precision timing and programming of works was a necessity. Despite the large and complex nature of the project with different sites and teams in Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Solihull, it was completed on time with no major issues.

Benefit

The benefits have been huge. The high quality finish of the products provides an inviting waiting area for public transport users. The brushed aluminium and stainless steel seats combine a contemporary aesthetic, with unrivalled durability.

The new shelters offer users an instantly recognisable transport point which is cohesive across the midlands, along with a comfortable and safe area where they can wait in safety.

The bespoke coloration and branding across all the new street furniture additions also ensures Centro are prominent in the minds of the public, in such public facing, city settings.