Connecting Leeds

BAM was part of an award-wining integrated delivery team on Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP), working together to transform Leeds’ public transport system. The four year programme marked the first time the Department for Transport had devolved funding to a local authority for a large-scale, transformational package of works.

BAM’s scope included design and construction of two key road and bus routes in the city. This involved carriageway widening to provide dedicated bus lanes, cycleways and enhancements to existing junctions, as well as three new and enhanced park and ride (P&R) facilities and upgrades, including installation of new and upgraded electric vehicle charging points.

The corridor improvements will benefit bus users the most, as journey times are expected to reduce. Public transport benefits offer a quicker and more consistent journey time and help reduce congestion through the creation of dedicated bus lanes and improvements at key junctions.

New cycle provisions, including segregated cycle tracks have been created to provide safe, high-quality routes. This coupled with improvements to the urban realm and green infrastructure provides a better environment for pedestrians.

Pedestrians also benefit from improved accessibility with new walking routes and safer crossings. All of which is a bid to make sustainable travel more appealing by improving public transport, walking and cycling connections – and in turn contributing towards tackling the climate emergency.

Collaboration

Leeds City Council rethought standard procurement and scheme development, engaging with the construction industry at the earliest stage. BAM became delivery partners instead of suppliers and forged a first-class, integrated delivery team, to shape the entire programme together.

Two design and build delivery teams were engaged, BAM with design partner Mott MacDonald, and Sisk with Capita who worked as part of an eight-strong cohesive team of public and private sector partners who included: Leeds City Council (project management, programme coordination and part funder), the Department for Transport (funder), West Yorkshire Combined Authority (funding partner, budget holder, business case development and project assurance), WSP (development partner) and First Bus (Operator).

Together the entire team established a ‘Collaborative Hub’ in Leeds city centre, breaking down the traditional boundaries between the client, contractor, funder, designer and supply chain. The partners worked in unison, with contractors BAM and Sisk providing valuable input into the scheme development stages, reducing the design duration and delivering a more robust budget estimate.

This approach realised cost savings, enabled quick decision making and reduced the need to travel, saving time and minimising carbon footprints. By establishing this ‘Collaborative Hub’ in the city centre and agreeing ways of working, we worked to establish a collective responsibility amongst our peers, supply chain, client, funders and a multitude of stakeholders.

From financials to social value, collaborative planning, design coordination, stakeholder communication and health & safety – every area of the project was viewed collectively.

The first fully solar powered park and ride in the UK

In addition to the 1,200 space parking provision, the new Stouton Park and Ride site has several supporting amenities including electric vehicle (EV) charging points, family and disabled parking bays, waiting facilities, cycle stands, cycle lockers, and mobility scooter lockers.

45 individual solar canopies covered with 2,838 photovoltaic panels have been installed above one third of the parking spaces to generate electricity which will be used to power lighting, electric vehicle charging points, CCTV and heat the waiting room within the terminus building.

The terminus building also features a green roof helping to increase biodiversity by creating a habitat for wildlife.

Social value across all our projects

We have supported Mencap’s Supported Internship Programme, leading to permanent employment for one young person on LPTIP. Mencap also provided Disability Awareness training to employees working alongside our intern.

We have also worked with Aspiedent, a Leeds based Autism and Neurodiversity service, who undertook a work place assessment and employee training.

This has created a truly inclusive environment, enabling all members of the team to flourish and add real value to the programme.

Further Project Successes

• Winner of Yorkshire & Humberside CECA Project of the Year 2021 • Highly commended in CIHT Team of the Year Award 2020 • £9.2m spent with local businesses • 49% local employment • 46 SMEs engaged • 1,150 tonnes of carbon saved at Elland Road Park & Ride • 23,366 tonnes of waste either reused or recycled • 23 apprentice placements • 40 school events • 10 work placements managed • 36 monthly newsletters • 14,500 newsletter subscribers