FORT-WILLIAM TOWN CENTER ENHANCEMENT - ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ENGINEERING

This paper reports on a town centre pedestrianization and enhancement scheme which, at the time, pioneered a new form of construction for na tural granite setts in the UK. Little design guidance was available an d so research and materials testing was required to ensure an appropri ate specification. The authors believe that this scheme will be the fi rst of many, as early pedestrianization schemes in less durable materi als require to be refurbished, Design and contractual arrangements wer e straightforward but included an advance public utilities contract an d sample performance panels. The project was overseen by a small, dedi cated team, resulting in a lower final unit cost than some subsequent schemes. The scheme illustrates the breadth of municipal engineering.