California Country Park Improvements Delayed
California Country Park Improvements
Escalating estimated costs of some of the planned improvements at California Country Park has sadly forced Wokingham Borough Council to delay aspects of the project while the scheme goes out to tender. The council’s contractor, Balfour Beatty has revised its initial estimate of the work following detailed design work, adding substantial costs to the project.
The borough council feels that the cost increase does not represent value for money, and consequently has made the decision to put the major part of the scheme out to open tender. As the tender process can take close to six months, this unfortunately means the planned works will occur later than originally planned.
Andy Glencross, green infrastructure service manager said: “It is very disappointing that we’ve been forced to delay aspects of the work, but it is important that we ensure we get the best value for money for our residents.
“However, we have commenced phase 1 of the works to ensure the park is ready for the busy summer period. We have already carried out a number of improvements including a repair to a water leak to help alleviate site flooding and have begun filling in the worst potholes. We will also be undertaking a complete scrape and roll of the main car park, putting down tarmac patches and will remove temporary fencing where possible”
Other parts of our investment in the country park, such as the second phase of our California Greenway, remain on schedule to be constructed ahead of the main car park works.
