Public realm improvement works continue on Castle Hill
VolkerHighways is working on a £1.5 million public realm improvement scheme on Castle Hill, Windsor, on behalf of the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead. The scheme is set to increase pedestrian access by widening the pavements, as well as improve pedestrian safety by installing vehicle mitigation bollards and gates in Windsor’s busiest area. The enhancements will help to improve the visitor experience and boost the economy by encouraging visitor dwell time.
The project involves footway widening, kerb alignment and reconstruction of the carriageway at Castle Hill. The business will also install vehicle mitigation infrastructure on Castle Hill and St Alban’s Street and a protective gate behind the Queen Victoria statue. The protective gate would be opened outside of castle visitor hours, meaning businesses on Castle Hill would still be able to receive deliveries.
The scheme involves the installation of high-quality bespoke paving, designed to match the existing urban framework. Being in the shadow of Windsor Castle, the scheme is extremely high-profile and demands a high degree of expertise to ensure a quality finish.
The project is being carried out in phases, with ongoing intense liaison with the Castle and other stakeholders, to help keep disruption to a minimum. During King Charles III’s Coronation, all activities paused, and materials were removed from the area to accommodate this high-profile event and media traffic. The business also assisted in the facilitation of the Coronation with road closures and cleansing.
Regular events involving the Castle will continue to run as planned. Works are expected to complete early 2024.
The scheme is being carried out as part of VolkerHighways’ highway term maintenance contract with the council. The majority of funding for the project has come from the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, as well as developer contributions.
Kunle Kolaru, operations director for VolkerHighways, said: “We are pleased to be delivering this very prestigious scheme for the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead. This project will ensure Windsor remains a safe place for both visitors and locals alike, as we continue to celebrate the royal ceremonies and events that take place in Windsor each year.”
Councillor Geoff Hill, the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “This investment will transform Castle Hill into an area where pedestrians are prioritised, helping to improve safety and make this popular area of town more accessible residents and visitors.
“By improving the visitor experience in this area, we hope to encourage dwell time and increase the number of people supporting our local businesses in the historic heart of our borough which, in turn, will benefit the local economy.”