Contractor appointed to deliver key projects as part of March town centre transformation

Fenland District Council has appointed global design, engineering, and project management consultancy firm Atkins to spearhead the exciting redevelopment of Broad Street and the riverside as part of the £8.4million March Future High Streets Fund (MFHSF) project.

The project, which is supported by a £6.4million grant from the government's Future High Streets Fund and £2million from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, is set to breathe new life into the town centre through a variety of improvement schemes.

Together, the Broad Street and riverside schemes will reshape the whole area, creating a socialable environment that is free from congestion, brings the picturesque river into the heart of town and where people want to go to shop and spend their leisure time.

Atkins will now work with the MFHSF project team to develop outline and final designs for the two redevelopments, before applying for planning permission for delivery.

The other MFHSF schemes include regenerating the historic Market Place and underused Acre Road area, and a grants programme to help property owners bring vacant shops into use and assist in converting empty upper floor space into town centre flats.

Atkins has successfully delivered a wealth of major regeneration across the country, including high-quality public realm schemes, such as Victoria Gateway and City Beach in Southend-on-Sea, and strategic junction improvements schemes, such as Chiltern Interchange in Oxfordshire.

Welcoming their appointment, Cllr Chris Seaton, Fenland District Council's Portfolio Holder for Social Mobility and Heritage, said: "I'm delighted that Atkins has been chosen to lead on such an important milestone for the future of March. Their impressive portfolio demonstrates the wealth of experience they will be able to draw on to bring forward the best possible schemes for the town."

"The financial backing we have received from Government and the Combined Authority is testament to their confidence in us delivering a town centre for the future. Driving growth and prosperity for the whole of Fenland is a key priority for the Council and we will continue to work with our partners to attract significant investment into the district."

• Visit our March Future High Streets Fund webpage for more information.

Article date: February 2022